
Qass. 



Book. 



BRITISH DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE 

CONCERNING THE REPUBLIC 

OF TEXAS— 1838-1846 



EDITED BY 

EPHRAIM DOUGLASS ADAMS 

Professor of History in Leiand Stanford Jr. University 



Reprinted from The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, 

XV, Nos. 3 and 4, and from The Southwestern Historical 

Quarterly, XVI, No. 1—XXI, No. 2. January, 

1912— October, 1917 



The Texas State Historical Association 
Austin, Texas 



BRITISH DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE 

CONCERNING THE REPUBLIC 

OF TEXAS— 1838-1846 






EDITED BY 

EPHRAIM DOUGLASS ADAMS 

Professor of History in Leland Stanford Jr. University 



J^/U7 T^ajX'. •.7>>/.oWi.v -Yj., 



Reprinted from The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, 

XV, Nos. 3 and 4, and from The Southwestern Historical 

Quarterly, XVI, No. 1—XXI, No. 2. January, 

1912— October, 1917 



The Texas State Historical Association 
Austin, Texas 



UN 



H 1920 






ya-'V ^^ 



CONTEjNTS 

Page 

Introduction 1 

Crawford to Bidwell, February 9, 1837 3 

Crawford to Bidwell, March 34, 1837 3 

Crawford to Backhouse, June 5, 1S37 4 

Crawford to O'Gorman, May 13, 1837 5 

Crawford to Pakenham, May 26, 1837 9 

Hamilton to Magregor, June 23, 1840 16 

Sheridan to Garraway, July 12, 1840 18 

Maillard to Palmerston, September 15, 1840 27 

Hook to Palmerston, April 30, 1841 29 

N'epean to Douglas, July 24, 1841 39 

Palmerston to Elliot, August 4, 1841 42 

Kennedy to Aberdeen. October 12, 1841 43 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 20, 1841 45 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, N'ovember 6, 1841 46 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 9, 1841 48 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 12, 1841 48 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 13, 1841 49 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 16, 1841 50 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 6, 1841 50 

Canning to Elliot, December 14. 1841 50 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, January 10, 1848 51 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, January 28, 1842 55 

Houston to Kennedy, January 28, 1842 57 

Hamilton to Aberdeen. February 20, 1842 58 

Hamilton to Kennedy, March 4, 1842 58 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, March 8, 1842 58 

Hamilton to Aberdeen, March 25, 1842 59 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, April 20, 1842 61 

Addington to Elliot, May 24, 1842 63 

Aberdeen to Elliot, May 27, 1 842 63 

Aberdeen to Elliot, May 27, 1842 64 

. Aberdeen to Elliot, May 31, 1842 65 

Aberdeen to Elliot, May 31, 1842 65 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 3, 1842 66 



iv Contents 

Page 

Kennedy to Bidwell, June 7, 1842 66 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 8, 1842 67 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 15, 1842 69 

Power to Peel, June 20, 1842 70 

Power to Saligny, June 20, 1842 72 

Addington to Elliot, June 28, 1842 78 

Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 78 

Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 80 

Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 81 

Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 81 

Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 84 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 2, 1842 86 

Kennedy to Bidwell, July 6, 1842 87 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 7. 1842 88 

Kennedy to Bidwell, July 14, 1842 89 

Aberdeen to Elliot, July 15, 1842 90 

Aberdeen to Elliot, July 16, 1842 91 

Kennedy to Aberdeeen, August 1, 1842 93 

Elliot to Aberdeen, August 14, 1842 93 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 25, 1842 95 

Elliot to Aberdeen, August 29, 1842 95 

Addington to Elliot, August 31, 1842 99 

Elliot to Addington, September 1, 1842 100 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September 4, 1842 101 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September 4, 1842 101 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September 4, 1842 102 

Elliot to Addington, September 4, 1842 103 

Elliot to Addington, September 4, 1842 104 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September 10, 1842 104 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September 13, 1842 105 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September 22, 1842 108 

Aberdeen to Kennedy, September 29, 1842 108 

Aberdeen to Kenned.y, September 29, 1842 109 

Aberdeen to Elliot, October 3, 1842 110 

Aberdeen to Elliot, October 3. 1842 110 

Aberdeen to Elliot, October 3, 1842 Ill 

Elliot to Bidwell, October 10, 1842 Ill 



Contents v 

Page 

Elliot to Aberdeen, October 17, 1842 113 

Aberdeen to Elliot, October 18, 1842 114 

Elliot to Aberdeen, October 20, 1842 114 

Ward and Ingram, and others to Elliot, September 24, 1842. 115 
Elliot to Ward and Ingi-am and others, September 19, 1842. . 116 

Elliot to Aberdeen, October 20, 1842 116 

Elliot to Woll, October 18, 1842 118 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 24, 1842 120 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 27, 1842 120 

Elliot to Aberdeen, N"ovember 2, 1842 121 

Aberdeen to Elliot, November 3, 1842 124 

Elliot to Addington, November 15, 1842 125 

Kennedy to Bidwell, November 16, 1842 131 

Elliot to Aberdeen, November 16, 1842 131 

Houston to Elliot, November 5, 1842 131 

Elliot to Aberdeen, November 24, 1842 133 

Aberdeen to Elliot, December 3, 1842 135 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 11, 1842 135 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 14, 1842 141 

Elliot to Addington, December 16, 1842 142 

Elliot to Addington, December 28, 1842 145 

Kennedy to Bidwell, December 31, 1842 149 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 5, 1843 149 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 15, 1843 150 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 23, 1843 150 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 28, 1843 154 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 4, 1843 157 

Elliot to Jones, February 4, 1843 157 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 5, 1843 162 

Houston to Elliot, January 24, 1843 163 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, February 11, 1843 165 

Elliot to Addingion, March 26, 1843 165 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 29, 1S43 169 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, March 29, 1843 170 

Elliot to Addington, April 15, 1843 171 

Elliot to Pakenhara, April 14, 1843 172 

Elliot to Aberdeen, April 25, 1843 178 



vi Contents 

Page 

Elliot to Aberdeen, April 39, 1843 180 

Elliot to Aberdeen, May 9, 1843 180 

Doyle to Elliot, April 20, 1843 183 

Elliot to Doyle, May 7, 1843 184 

Elliot to A'berdeen, May 12, 1843 186 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 15, 1843 187 

Hamilton to Moore, March 21, 1843 188 

Houston to Morgan and Bryan, March 23, 1843 189 

Kennedy to Elliot, May 15, 1843 191 

Kennedy to Cocke, May 15, 1843 192 

Moore to the Texas Times, April 19, 1843 193 

Aberdeen to Elliot, May 18, 1843 194 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 22, 1843 195 

Memorandum accompanying the Return of Corn and Grain 
from the Port of Galveston, Texas, for the Quarter ending 

March 31, 1843, May 20, 1843 197 

Elliot to Aberdeen, May 29, 1843 198 

Aberdeen to Kennedy, May 30, 1843 199 

Aberdeen to Elliot, June 3, 1843 200 

Aberdeen to Elliot, June 3, 1843 202 

Kennedy to Elliot, June 5, 1843 202 

Elliot to Aberdeen, June 8, 1843 205 

Houston to Elliot, May 13, 1843 208 

Houston to Elliot, January 24, 1843 213 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 9, 1843 214 

Elliot to Aberdeen, June 10, 1843 219 

Doyle to Elliot, May 27, 1843 220 

Elliot to Aberdeen, June 21, 1843 221 

Elliot to Aberdeen, June 22, 1843 221 

Elliot to Doyle, June 21, 1843 222 

Elliot to Aberdeen, June 24, 1843 224 

Elliot to Doyle, June 21, 1843 224 

Elliot to Aberdeen, July 4, 1843 227 

Elliot to Aberdeen, July 15, 1843 228 

Yates to Elliot, July 12, 1843 229 

Elliot to Yates, July 13, 1813 233 

Yates to Elliot, July 15, 1843 234 



Contents vii 

Page 

Elliot to Aberdeen, July 16, 1843 235 

Elliot to Aberdeen, July 29, 1843 835 

Elliot to Aberdeen, August 3, 1843 236 

Elliot to Doyle, August 2, 1843 236 

Woll to Houston, July 16, 1843 238 

Hill to Woll, July 29, 1843 239 

Elliot to Doyle, July 30, 1843 241 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 6, 1843 245 

Aberdeen to Elliot, August 18, 1843 250 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 22, 1843 250 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 23, 1843 251 

Elliot to Aberdeen, August 23, 1843 251 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 29, 1843 252 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September 5, 1843 253 

Elliot to Doyle, August 28, 1843 253 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 5, 1843 254 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 6, 1843 261 

Aberdeen to Elliot, September 18, 1843 263 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 23, 1843 263 

Elliot to Aberdeen 264 

Addington to Elliot, October 3, J 843 267 

Elliot to Aberdeen, October 10, 1843 267 

Elliot to Doyle, October 10, 1843 268 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 11, 1845 270 

Elliot to Aberdeen, October 31, 1843 271 

Elliot to Aberdeen, November 13, 1843 278 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 13, 1843 279 

Elliot to Aberdeen, November 29, 1843 279 

Elliot to Doyle, November 29, 1843 280 

M'Leod to Elliot, November 26, 1843 281 

Elliot to Doyle, November 29, 1843 282 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 2, 1843 283 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 8, 1843 287' 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 29, 1843 288 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 29, 1843 289 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 31, 1843 289 

Aberdeen to Elliot, Januan^ 3. 1844 291 



viii Contents 

Page 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, January 6, 1844 292 

Kennedy to Elliot, January 2, 1844 292 

Kennedy to Bidwell, January 8, 1844 293 

Aberdeen to Elliot, JanuarA^ 11, 1844 295 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 15, 1844 295 

Aberdeen to Elliot, January 31, 1844. •; 297 

Elliot to Aberdeen, Februanr 10, 1844 297 

Elliot to Jones, February 10, 1844 298 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 17, 1844 299 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 7, 1844 300 

Rushton to Elliot, March 7, 1844 301 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 15, 1844 301 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 27. 1844 302 

Elliot to Aberdeen, April 7. 1843 304 

Elliot to Jones, March 22, 1844 308 

Jones to Elliot, March 25, 1844 310 

Elliot to Jones, April 3, 1844 312 

Lusignan to Aberdeen, April 12, 1844 315 

Kennedy to Elliot, April 18, 1844 317 

Lusignan to Addington, May 6, 1844 317 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 8, 1844 319 

Kennedy to Elliot, May 6, 1844 321 

Elliot to Aberdeen, May 10, 1844 323 

Elliot to Aberdeen, May 20, 1844 325 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 27, 1844 326 

Kennedy to Elliot, May 25, 1844 326 

Kennedy to Elliot, May 27, 1844 328 

Ktennedy to Aberdeen, May 27, 1844 330 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 31, 1844 333 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 11. 1844 335 

Kennedy to Al)crdeen, June 14, 1844 336 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 18, 1844 338 

Elliot to Aberdeen, June 22, 1844 342 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 8, 1844 343 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 8, 1844 344 

Ruthven and others to Aberdeen, July 8, 1844 344 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 8, 1844 346 



Contents ix 

Page 

Elliot to Aberdeen, July 10, 1844 349 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, Jnly 29, 1844 350 

Kennedy to Bidwell, Jnly 29, 1844 353 

Elliot to Aberdeen, AugTist 13, 1844 353 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, Angnst 14, 1844 354 

Kennedy to Aberdene, August 24, 1844 355 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 9, 1844 356 

Kennedy to i^berdeen, September 9, 1844 362 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 23, 1844 364 

Kennedy to Addington, September 24, 1844 367 

Orvanne to Kennedy, August 30, 1844 368 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 30, 1844 369 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 2, 1844 370 

Kennedy to Addington, October 24, 1844 371 

Elliot to Aberdeen, October 28, 1844 372 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 29, 1844 373 

Kennedy tO' Aberdeen, October 30, 1844 375 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, N'ovember 12, 1844 377 

Elliot to Aberdeen, November 13, 1844 379 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 5, 1844 379 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 6, 1844 385 

Prince of Solms to Kennedy, December 3, 1844 386 

Kennedy to Prince of Solm?, December 6, 1844 391 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 10, 1844 391 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 21, 1844 393 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 25, 1844 396 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 28, 1844 397 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 29. 1844 400 

Aberdeen to Elliot, December 31, 1844 404 

Aberdeen to Elliot, December 31, 1844 404 

Aberdeen to Elliot, December 31, 1844 407 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 2, 1845 407 

Elliot to Aberdeen, Januaiy 15, 1845 410 

Aberdeen to Elliot, January 23, 1845 428 

Bankhead to Aberdeen, ISTovember 29, 1844 433 

Aberdeen to Elliot, February 3, 1845 437 

Aberdeen to Elliot, February 3, 1845 437 



X Contents 

Page 

Elliot to Aberdeen. Febmarv S, 1845 438 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 8, 1845 441 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 8, 1845 442 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 15, 1845 445 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 17, 1845 448 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 2?, 1845 449 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 24, 1 845 449 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, February 25, 1845 450 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, February 26, 1845 451 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 6, 1845 453 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 7, 1845 459 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 22, 1845 460 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 24, 1845 .' 461 

Jones to Aberdeen, March 31, 1845 461 

Elliot to Aberdeen, Apdl 2, 1845 462 

Aberdeen to Elliot, April 3, 1845 472 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, April 3, 1845 473 

Allen to Donelson, December 13, 1844 474 

Bankhead to Elliot. April 8, 1845 476 

Adding-ton to Kennedy. April 18, 1845 478 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, April 25, 1845 479 

Aberdeen to Elliot, May 3, 1845 481 

Aberdeen to Elliot, May 3, 1845 484 

Miller to Stewart, May 9, 1S45 486 

Bankhead to Elliot, May 20, 1845 487 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 21, 1845 490 

Elliot to Aberdeen, May 30, 1845 491 

Kennedy to Addington, May 30, 1845 493 

Aberdeen to Elliot, June 3, 1845 493 

Kennedy to Addington, June 10, 1845 .- 494 

Elliot to Aberdeen, June 12, 1845 495 

Jones to Elliot, June 6, 1845 497 

Elliot to Bankhead, June 11, 1845 498 

Elliot to Bankhead, June 11, 1845 501 

Elliot to Aberdeen, June 15, 1845 504 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 24, 1845 506 

Bankhead to Elliot, June 29, 1845 506 



Contents xi 

Page 

Bankhead to Elliot, June 29, 1845 507 

Aberdeen to Elliot July 3, 1845 508 

Elliot to Aberdeen, July 3, 1845 511 

Elliot to Bankhead, July 3, 1845 513 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 24, 1815 , 516 

Elliot to Aberdeen, July 28, 1845 51S 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 28, 1845 521 

Elliot to Aberdeen, July 30, 1845 52G 

Elliot to Aberdeen, August 12, 1845 528 

Elliot to Aberdeen, Aug-ust 13, 1845 531 

Elliot to Bankhead, August 8, 1845 532 

Elliot to Aberdeen, Au.arust 15, 1845 535 

Elliot to Allen, June 13, 1845 535 

Elliot to Aberdeen, Au^ist 22, 1845 536 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, Au^st 23, 1845 542 

Elliot to Aberdeen, August 31, 1845 543 

Elliot to Aberdeen, August 31, 1845 547 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 6, 1845 548 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September 13, 1845 550 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September H, 1845 551 

Aberdeen to Elliot, September 17, 1845 551 

Aberdeen to Elliot, September 18, 1845 552 

Elliot to Aberdeen, Septemher 29, 1845 553 

Elliot to Aberdeen, September 30, 1845 , 554 

Elliot to Aberdeen, October 6, 1845 555 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 16, 1845 556 

Elliot to Aberdeen, N'ovember 14, 1845 557 

Elliot to Aberdeen, l^Tovember 26, 1845 560 

Aberdeen to Elliot, December 3, ] 845 563 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 8, 1845 562 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 14, 1845 565 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 14, 1845 566 

Hockley to Elliot, November 14, 1845 567 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 20, 1845 568 

Elliot to Aberdeen, December 24, 1845 572 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 31, 1845 573 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 8, 1846 575 



xii Contents 

Page 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 8, 1846' 576 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 13, 1846 581 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 15, 1846 582 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 18, 1846 583 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 20, 1846 585 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 23, 1846 589 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 26, 1846 590 

Elliot to Aberdeen, January 26, 1846 590 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 1, 1846 592 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 15, 1846 594 

Elliot to Kennedy, February 15, 1846 594 

Memorandum by Elliot, February 15, 1846 596 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 16, 1846 597 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 16, 1846 598 

Elliot to Aberdeen, February 16, 1846 598 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 4, 1846 607 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 10, 1846 607 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 14, 1846 608 

Kennedy to Aberdeen, March 16, 1846 609 

Elliot to Aberdeen, March 27, 1846 610 

Johnson to Elliot, March 24, 1846 611 

Aberdeen to Elliot, April 3, 1846 611 

Aberdeen to Elliot, April 3, 1846 612 

Elliot to Aberdeen, April 19, 1846 .' . ,. 612 

Elliot to Aberdeen, April 21, 1846 613 

Elliot to Aberdeen, April 21, 1846 614 

Elliot to Aberdeen, April 25, 1846 615 

Elliot to Aberdeen, May 1, 1846 .-: 618 

Elliot to Kennedy, May 1, 1846 618 

Elliot to Aberdeen, June 18, 1846 619 

Kennedy to Palmerston, March 27, 1847 620 



INTRODUCTION 

British interest in Texas was manifested from the time of her 
declaration of independence in 1836, and Texan diplomats were 
early in communication with the British government. It was not 
until 1840, however, that the Texan appeal for recognition met 
with active official approval in England, and the first steps were 
taken toward a conclusion of treaties. Thus very little corral 
spondence from Texas is to be found in the British archives pre- 
vious to that year. The present publication consists mainly of 
letters and reports to the British government, hitherto unpublished, 
written by the two principal British officials stationed in Texas. 
These were Charles Elliot , charge d'affaires, and William Kennedy , 
consul at Galveston. Further biographical detail is given in foot- 
notes where these men appear in the correspondence. Elliot did not 
arrive in Texas until the fall of 1842, while Kennedy, though in 
Texas in 1839-1840, and again in 18'42, did not assume his duties 
as consul until 1843. But as the purpose is to present British 
evidence as to political, social, and industrial conditions in Texas, 
as well as of the activities of British agents, various letters from 
other officials are included in this first installment. On the other 
hand, in the later years of the Republic, instructions to Elliot and 
Kennedy have been omitted in most cases. Their substance will 
be stated in footnotes whenever the connection requires it. 

The bulk of the manuscript material in the Public Record Office, 
treating of Texas, — from which these documents are exclusively 
drawn — is in the form of bound manuscript volumes, some twenty- 
five in number, containing the instructions of the Foreign Office 
to British agents in Texas and the reports of these agents. A few 
of the volumes comprise the records of Elliot's office while in Texas, 
which were transferred to London when Texas ceased to be a 
republic. The archives of Elliot's legation, thus transferred, con- 
tain, in addition to the usual material that one would expect to 
find there, copies of a great deal of the correspondence between 
Aberdeen, the British Foreign Secretary, and British diplomats in 
the United States, France, and Mexico. Copies of all important 
instructions to tliese countries, treating of Texan affairs, were sent 



2 Texas State Historical Association 

to Elliot for his information. In general, all the Texas material 
is in very usable shape, being arranged by volumes in chronological 
order. 

The material here presented has been transcribed by a copyist, 
Mr. W. H. Powell, employed by the Texas State Historical As- 
sociation, and is printed exactly as copied. Final comparison of 
proof with the manuscripts in the Eecord Office has not been 
feasible, but it is believed that the matter as now printed is in 
the main correct, though in the case of Elliot's letters there is 
always a chance of error because of his atrocious handwriting. 
Here, however, Mr. Powell's copy has been checked with that of 
the editor, who had previously himself made transcripts of the 
letters. The spelling and punctuation of the original have been 
followed, and usually without calling attention to errors, where 
the meaning is clear. The chronological order has been used, save 
in the case of enclosures, which are marked as such and follow the 
letters in which they were enclosed. It is not intended to print 
documents that have elsewhere appeared in print, in generally 
accessible form, but no minute search of printed materials has 
seemed necessary, save in the three volumes of "Texan Diplomatic 
Correspondence" edited by the late Professor Garrison. The few 
documents of this collection there printed or calendared, are here 
omitted, with notations as to where thev may l)e found. 



CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE BRITISH ARCHIVES 
CONCERNING TEXAS, 1837-1846 

CRAWFORD TO BIDWELL^ 

'No. 1. ' British Consulate 

Tampico. 9th February 1837. 
Sir, 

I have the honour to acquaint you for the information of His 
Majesty's Principal Secretary of State, that having received In- 
structions from His Majesty's Consul General in Mexico in conse- 
quence of Lord Viscount Palmerston's letter to Mr. Pakenham, of 
the 27th. of August last, I shall within a few days proceed to 
Matamoros and the Mexican Territory to the Northward, and shall 
use my utmost exertions and zeal in the objects of my journey, 
communicating thro' His Majesty's Minister in Mexico the result 
of my observations from time to time as opportunities offer. 

I beg leave to acquaint you that this Vice Consulate during 
my absence will be under the charge of Stewart L. Jolly, Esqr. a 
most respectable British Merchant in this City, which nomination 
has met the approval of Mr. Pakenham and the Consul General in 
a Confidential communication which I made to Mr. O'Gorman to 
that effect, and when Officially made, I hope will be approved by 
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State. 

Jos. T. Crawford, 
To John Bidwell, Esqr. etc. etc. etc. Vice Consul. 

Foreign Office London 

[Endorsed as received April 17, and answered.] 

CRAWFORD TO BIDWELL^ 

No. 2. British Consulate 

Tampico, 24 March 1837. 
Sir, 

I have the honour of acquainting you that I embark this day on 
Board His Majesty's Sloop Eacer for Matamoros and the Northern 

'F. 0., Mexico, Vol. 110. 
Ubid. 



4 Texas State Tlisiorical Assocmtion 

ports of this Eepublick, and that Mr. Stewart L. Jolly remains 
acting V. Consul during my absence, to whom I this morning 
handed over the Archives, and had previously received the appro- 
bation of His Majesty's Minister and the Consur General to this 
nomination which has been notified to this Government and by 
me to the Local Authorities. 

Jos. T. Crawford, 
To John Bidwell, Esqr. etc. etc. etc. Vice Consul. 

Foreign Office. London. 

[Endorsed as received June 14th.] 



CRAV^^FORD TO BACKHOUSE^ 



No. 1. 



Sir, 



Few Orleans. 
5th. June 1837. 



I have the honour to enclose herewith for the information of 
His Majesty's Government Copies of my dispatches from Houston, 
Texas dated the 13th. Ultimo, addressed to the Consul General at 
Mexico, and of the 26th. from this place to Mr. Pakenham, rela- 
tive to the present state of Texas, accompanied with a large pile 
of papers for reference as to the Constitution and Laws of that 
province which I request you will be pleased to lay before Lord 
Viscount Palmerston. 

Having concluded my visit to the Northern ports, I am to Sail 
this day for Tampico where on arrival I shall resume the exercise 
of my Consular duties. 

Jos. T. Crawford 
To John Backhouse, Esqr. 

Under Secretary of State etc. etc. etc. 
Foreign Office London. 

] Endorsed . . . Received July 18th. Answered. 2. 

Inclosures. . . 

Copy to Bd. of Trade Sept. 16/37. Dft. to Con. Parkinson 

Augt. 31/37. This is an intelligent Eeport. 60. P. 



>F. O., Mexico, Vol. 110. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 5 

CRAWFORD TO O'GORMAN^ 

Houston, Texas. 
Sir, 13th May 1837. 

I left Matamoros on the 5th. Ultimo embarked on board His 
Majesty's Sloop Racer from Braso de Santiago on the 8th. and 
sailed from the Anchorage same day at noon. 

The wind being favourable Capt. Hope run down the Coast to the 
Northward as close as prudence would admit our doing. Thus 
we saw the entrances to Copano, Aransas and Matagorda Bays 
and the Rio Sn Bernardo making our passage in sight of the land 
all the distance and arrived off the Brasos River on the Qth.^ in 
the Evening. 

The entrance to Corpus Christi or Copano Bay is in Lat. 27° 
36' N", Latitude 97° 28' W: Long: and has on its Bar generally 
but 6 to 7 feet Water. The trade, carried on by vessels of suit- 
able construction, is not of much consequence, and at present is 
less than it was formerly, because the Inhabitants have been 
obliged to abandon that part of the Country which lays between 
the Texian Army and Matamoros. This Bay is shallow and altho' 
surrounded by the finest lands with several streams emptying 
themselves into it, each stream has its separate Bar, so that except- 
ing for small Craft or Steamers built on purpose, neither this 
Bay, nor indeed any of the Bays to the Korthward, can ever be 
of consequence as harbours. 

The Coast is very low all the way, and the Soundings lessen 
gradually till you have 9 or 10 fathoms at about three miles from 
the Shore, good holding ground, but without any shelter from the 
Violence of the Northers in Winter, altho' would be safe enough 
during the Six Months Summer from May till Novr. 

The entrance to Aransas is in 27° 55' N. Lat: and 97° 9' W. 
Long : Vessels drawing 8 ft. Water may enter here. The observa- 
tions as to Trade into Copano Bay, at present apply to this part 
of the Coast, but in peaceable times will be very considerable for 
the supply of all the interior to the Westward, as far as Sn 
Anto. de Besar, and for the transmission of the Crops of Cotton 

'¥. 0., Mexico, Vol. 110. 

^The correct date of arrival at the Brazos River is April 12th; see 
Crawford to Pakenham, May 26, 1837. 



6 Texas State Historical Association 

and other produce, Besar and its neighbourhood being represented 
to me as the province best Cultivated, having also the best Climate 
and the richest lands. 

The Entrance to Matagorda Bay called Pasa de Cavallo lays 
in Lat. 28° 18' Long: 96° 33' West,— here Vessels drawing 10 
feet may enter at Spring tides. The Bay is large and the places 
where Vessels discharge are at various distances from the entrance, 
according to the point in the Interior where the Goods are des- 
tined, as several Rivers empty into this Bay and the trade is very 
considerable, prosperous and increasing, the Bernard and Caney 
Rivers are very inconsiderable, offering no facilities for Commerce. 

At the Mouth of the Brasos in Lat. 29° N^. Long. 95° 37' W. 
there is good anchorage in 5 fathoms Water, with the entrance 
bearing West and about three miles off. The Town of Velasco is 
begun to be built at the north side and Quintana is rising on the 
south at the Bar of this River — which I ascended on board a 
Steamer thirty Miles to Brasoria, a small Town on the South or 
Right Bank, where there is a good deal of business going on and 
several large and well assorted Stores. — Fifteen miles further up 
by the River, on the same side is the Village, or as it is here called 
"Landing" of Marion, distant from which inland and in a Southern 
direction is Columbia, the late Seat of Government, an inconsid- 
erable place, and almost abandoned, but situated in a fine country 
with some good plantations in its neighbourhood. 

I crossed the Brasos River at Bolivar Perry about thirty miles 
above Marion, and the last of Steam boat Navigation in the dry 
Season. When the Rivers are high large Steamers go up 200 miles 
from the Mouth of the River, which is skirted with the finest tim- 
ber of Live Oak and other valuable qualities and dotted with Cot- 
ton plantations for the like distance. On the Bernard there is 
also a good deal of Cultivation and more land is being brouglit 
into Cultivation. 

The destruction of the Crops all over the country from the 
Rio del Norte to the Trinity, which empties itself into the N". E. 
of Galveston Bay, owing to the whole of that part of Texas having 
been overun by the Mexican Army previous to the Battle of Sn 
Jacinto, and especially the loss of the Grain last year has occa- 
sioned the planters to sow much Corn this Season and less Cotton 
will be produced than would otherways have been the case. I 



British. Correspondence Concerning Texas 7 

have been variously informed as to the number of Bales, which 
has been stated as high as 60,000, but I conceive the present Crop 
equal to the exportation of 30,000 Bales averaging 450 @ 500 lbs 
each. 

The City of Houston is situated upon Buffalo Bayou, which 
runs into the Bay of San Jacinto and the latter into Galveston 
Bay, distant from Galveston Island about 80 miles. Galveston is 
the best and indeed the only harbour in Texas, for Vessels of any 
Burden, but has not at its entrance sufficient water for Ships of 
War of much force unless purposly constructed. There are three 
Channels between the Shoals leading into the anchorage at the 
East end of the Island. The depth of Water marked on the 
accompanying map in English feet may be depended upon, and 
at Spring tides a foot more. It will be seen by the Map that large 
Vessels must discharge and load in the Harbour of Galveston, 
whilst smaller Craft can go up about 15 miles to Red fish Bar from 
whence their Cargoes are carried away by Steamers and lighters 
to Houston or other points as may be required. 

During my stay of some weeks in this part of Texas there were 
about 20 arrivals all Americans, mostly from New Orleans and 
loaded with provisions, merchandise of all sorts, bringing also 
their full allowance of passengers. 

I endeavoured to obtain returns of the Trade corresponding to 
each port, but as they have had no Duties to collect till this time, 
so they have had no Collectors nor port Officers to collect informa- 
tion, and I am only enabled to form an estimate of what the trade 
is at present, by what 1 have seen and conjecture that it will in- 
crease proportionately with the population crowding in. At pres- 
ent about 40 Vessels averaging 100 Tons ea[ch] carry on the 
whole Commerce monthly which would give an aggregate of 48000 
Tons in the year, and they are all under the flag of the United 
States, with the exception of two or three sailing under the single 
Star of Texas. 

The pilotage at the several ports is on the average about 10/=-: 
Sterling for the foot of water which the Vessel draws. The charge 
by the Steamers and other lighters for unloading and transporting 
of the Cargoes to the several points of destination beyond the 
place of discharge, is borne by the Merchandise and is generally 
done by agreement according to the distance and the nature of 
the Cargo. 



8 Texas State Historical Association 

According to the Act passed 20th. Deer, last, Authorising the 
raising of a Revenue by Import duties, from and after the 1st. 
June next, the following duties are to be exacted, viz: — Upon all 
Wines, Spirituous and Malt liqours an ad valorem duty upon 
Invoice Cost of 45 per Centum, Upon all Silk Goods and all 
Manufactures of Silk 50 per Cent : Upon Sugar and Coffee 2| 
per Cent: Upon Teas 25 per Cent, upon Bread Stuffs, one per 
Cent: upon Iron and Castings 10 per Cent: upon all coarse 
Clothing, coarse Shirting, Shoes, Blankets Kersies, Sattinetts 
and Clothes of a mixture of Cotton and Wool 10 per Ct. : upon 
all other goods not enumerated 20 per Ct. ad valorem upon the 
Invoice Cost. And upon all Vessels of 10 Tons and upwards 25 
Cents per Ton — each time they enter from a foreign port. 

The Appointment of the necessary Revenue Officers will no 
doubt be made forthwith, but I have some reason to think that a 
modification of the Tariff will be carried by the present Congress, 
to the effect of authorizing the President to exempt from duty 
for one year all articles for Agricultural use, provisions of all 
kinds, seeds and plants, Saddlery and Harness, Artificers Tools, 
Lumber and framed houses with the Glass and fastenings they 
require, etc. The depot of Goods so as to create a transit of Mer- 
chandise is also one of the alterations intended to be recommended 
to the Legislature by the Finance Committee during the present 
Session of Congress.^ 

Should Texas maintain its Independence of Mexico an advan- 
tageous Barter trade can be established with other Countries who 
will supply manufactures and take Cotton and other produce in 
return. Almost any quantity of the finest and most durable tim- 
ber for the purposes of Naval architecture can be furnished from 
the forests for little more than the expence of felling and taking 

^^^^' Jos. T. Crawford 

To Charles Th: O'Gorman, Esqr. 
H. M. Consul General, etc. etc. etc. 
Mexico. 

[Endorsed] . . . Copy to Bd. of Trade Sept. 16/37. Copy 
to Adm'y. . . . 

*Some of these modifications of the tariff were embodied in an act ap- 
proved June 12, 1837. (Gammel, Latos of Texas, I, 1313-1319.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 9 

CRAWFORD TO PAKEXIIAM^ 

N"o. 3. New Orleans. 

26th May, 1837. 

I have the honour to acquaint you, that I arrived here last 
Evening on m}'- return to Tampico, last from Galveston Bay, I 
sailed from Matamoros on the 8th. Ultimo and landed at the 
Mouth of the Brasos Eiver on the 12th., proceeded to Brasoria 
and Marion and reached Columbia, the seat of the Texas Govern- 
ment^ on the 13th., where I was well received by the President 
General Sam Houston, from whom I experienced very great atten- 
tion during my residence of one Month in that Country. 

I was careful to explain to General Houston that my visit was 
wholly one of a Consular nature to collect satisfactory information 
respecting the Commerce of the ports to the Northward of the 
District of Tampico,^ and I found every disposition on his part 
to assist me in the object of my journey. Under date 13th. In- 
stant from Houston, I addressed a report to His Majesty's Consul 
General in Mexico upon the subject of the Trade at the ports 
from Matamoros to the Sabine, to which as it has doubtless been 
laid before you I beg leave respectfully to refer, and I shall in 
the present dispatch convey to you for the information of His 
Majesty's Government such details of the state of Texas as it has 
been in my power to collect in so short a time. — 

I need not recur to the circumstances which have produced the 

'F. 0., Mexico, Vol. 110. Sir Richard Pakenham, British Minister at 
Mexico, 1835-1843; at Washington, 1844-1847. 

-Columbia had been the seat of government since August, 1836, but 
during the first session of the first congress Houston was selected as the 
seat of government until 1840. The adjourned session of the first congress 
would meet there on May 1st. The delay in completing the necessary 
buildings caused the president and officers of the government to tarry at 
Columbia until April 13th. They set out within a few days, and Mr. Craw- 
ford spent the greater portion of his month's visit at Houston. 

*While in his official intercourse Mr. Crawford may have guarded his 
remarks very carefully, the Telegraph and Texas Register of May 2, 1837, 
interpreted his mission as follows: "On the morning of the 12th ult. 
Mr. Crawford arrived at Columbia, accompanied by several of the officers 
of H. B. M. Brig of War, Racer, Captain Hope. The object of this gen- 
tleman's visit to Texas, is we understand to investigate the civil and polit- 
ical condition of the country and report to the British government." 



10 Texas State Historical Association 

Eevolution in that Province, nor the events of the Campaigns, 
which have failed on the part of Mexico to reduce the Colonists 
to subjection, nor to repeat the facts already manifest to the 
World, that they have, set up for themselves, as a Separate, free 
and independent iSTation, based upon an Elective Representation, 
with an Executive Government, Senate and House of Representa- 
tives, unrecognized by Mexico and that the War of Subjugation 
by the present State is still continued. 

Having made these preliminary observations, I shall state the 
Nature of the Government existing in Texas, composed of a Presi- 
dent, Vice President, Principal Secretary of State, Ministers of 
War and Marine, Minister of Finance and Attorney General. 

The Legislature consists of the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives. 

All Elections are popular, and the powers conferred upon the 
Government and Congress are those described in the Constitution, 
of which a Copy will be found in the "Telegraph" of the 2nd. 
August 1836, as adopted by the Convention on the 17th. March 
of the same year, which paper I have the honour to transmit 
herewith. — 

The Government consists at present of. General Sam Houston, 
President, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Y. President, Henry Smith, Sec- 
retary of the Treasury, Genl. Henderson, Sec. of State, W. S. 
Eisher, Sec. at War, S. Rhodes Fisher, Sec. of the Navy, P. W. 
Grayson, Attorney General. 

During the first Session of Congress many salutary laws were 
enacted, which are in operation, rigidly administered by the Judges 
and other Authorities in the several districts and Counties aper- 
taining to their Jurisdiction. 

I have not been able to obtain the Laws which have been passed 
in a pamphlet form, as they are not yet so arranged, but I have 
the honour of transmitting a file of the "Telegraph" Newspaper 
which contains them all and to which I must beg reference. Much 
order prevails in the Villages and Towns, if they may be so 
designated, as well as throughout the Country and the detection 
of Crime is surely followed by the infliction of the corresponding 
punishment established by Law upon conviction of the offender by 
an impartial Jury.— Such is the State of Texas at present as re- 
gards its Government and the execution of the Laws and it is 



Britisfi Correspondence Concerning Texas 11 

internally tranquil, the roads safe for travellers, unless on the 
Indian Frontier at a distance from Settlements. 

The Campaign of 1836, unsettled the whole Country, between 
the Kio Bravo del Norte and the San Jacinto which falls into 
the N. West Corner of Galveston Bay. Most of the crops were 
lost, the Corn all destroyed and the Towns as well as many of the 
Houses on the plantations were burnt, generally hy the Colonists 
themselves, to leave the Mexican Army without shelter and by 
the Mexicans also in many instances, but the inhabitants are 
again upon their lands and the Cultivation goes on, as far as the 
Eiver La Baca or the ISTavidad, where the Texian Head quarters 
has been for some time past. 

The Army is composed of about 2000 Men enlisted for 2 Years 
Service, the effective strength on the 1st May was 1830 Bayonets 
in Camp. — They are said to be well disciplined and they certainly 
have borne considerable privations without murmuring, having 
had to subsist of late wholly upon Beef, their Supplies of Bread, 
and flour having been captured by the Mexn. Fleet. — Besides this, 
the regular Army, Texas has several Companies of Eangers on the 
various Frontiers to check the Indian Tribes. — These last however 
have but little occupation, as the Policy of General Houston has 
been conciliatory and he has vevj lately entered into Treaties with 
the most influential Chiefs, who were at the Seat of Government 
on a "Big Talk" and retired well satisfied. 

All Volunteers have been disbanded from the Texan Service, 
and the Militia which could be in the Field on a very short Notice 
would be very effective, in a Country where there are so many 
Brakes and so much Timber, where every man is a Marksman and 
carries his Eifle 

Between the present Camp of the Army and Matamoros few of 
the Settlers have as yet resumed the occupation of their lands, 
situated between the Armies of the contending parties those poor 
people dread a repetition of the Scenes of Goliad and the diffi- 
culties of their distressed situation is still fresh in the sad 
recollection of our poor countrymen Colonists at San Patricio, 
whose case I particularly stated in my letter from Matamoros of 
the 4th. Ultimo. Many of those are here and in no very com- 
fortable circumstances, but it would be highly imprudent in them 
to return to their Colonies at present. 



12 Texas State Historical Association 

Should the Mexicans undertake another Campaign into Texas, 
they will probably never reach beyond the Colorado. They would 
be met by the full quota of the Militia and their Army can count 
upon no resources, but what their Fleet may supply from Seaward, 
or they can bring with them, as the Cattle will be driven back the 
Prairies fired and the whole Country left more devastated if possi- 
ble than it is in that direction at present, whilst every stream, 
every tree and Cane Brake will be studded with Eiflemen, so that, 
the rapid advance practiced last Campaign could not be repeated 
and if they hesitate and remain inactive they are lost for want of 
sustenance and destroyed by the Guerillas of the Colonists. — 

The subjugation of Texas by Mexico, can only in my opinion 
be effected by a systematic operation and the establishment of 
posts and Depots, giving time for the occupation of such posts and 
Depots by fresh troops and by slow progress with a strong Army 
putting down the spirit of Eebellion by degrees, which is only to 
be done at last by an effectively continued Military occupation of 
the whole Country. 

Such a plan of operation it is impossible for Mexico to under- 
take or execute, things have gone so far, the population of Texas 
is too great now, their confidence from past experience so estab- 
lished in themselves and the superiority of the men contending 
for the Independence they have assumed and for the possession of 
the Soil they have determined to adopt, is so great, both as to 
intelligence and energy, compared with the harrassed and ill paid 
Mexican Soldiery, that I may be warranted in concluding that 
Texas has conquered or will ultimately conquer her Independence 
of Mexico. 

Having arrived at this Conclusion I shall now state what the 
opinion is in that Country as to its Annexation to the United 
State of North America 

At the time of the Election of the President last year the opin- 
ion was decidedly in favour of Annexation, and the Minister or 
Commissioner sent to Washington was instructed to endeavour to 
bring about that desideratum upon the recognition of their po- 
litical Independence 

Since that time reflection has taught them that their interests 
are at varience with some portion of the North American Union, 
and that annexation, would be disadvantageous with a Territory 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 13 

extending 560,000 Square Miles under a benign climate, and a soil 
capable of producing, as much if not more Cotton than is grown 
in America and of a rich quality, what could be gained to Texas 
by exchanging her produce against manufactures, which She re- 
quires, if that produce was to pass thro' America and the Manu- 
factures be received thro' the same medium. She would lose the 
advantage of Competition, and could reap no solid benefit by the 
adding her Cottons into the growth of the United States. 

The opinion then has changed and they are very anxious to have 
a Separate, free and recognised Independent Government, to trade 
directly with other IvTations, giving the Eaw produce for the Man- 
ufactures they require, for it must be long ere there are Manufac- 
tories in Texas. I am not aware whether other Instructions are 
sent to the Minister in Washington but I know that annexation to 
that Government is not wished by the people or the Government of 
Texas, nor will it now be sought for. By the Constitution Slaves 
are permitted to be introduced over the frontier of the United 
States only. — No free Negro is permitted to reside in the Terri- 
tory, and the introduction of Slaves, Africans or Negroes is for- 
ever prohibited and declared to be piracy, except those from the 
United States. 

The number of Slaves as yet is by no means great and in gen- 
eral they are exceedingly well treated. 

That notwithstanding the declaration of piracy. Slaves have 
been imported directly into Texas I lament to say is but too true, 
and whilst I make this statement it is due to the Government and 
especially to the President, that I should declare my conviction of 
their having tried every means in their power to detect the per- 
petrators and bring them to Justice. — I have good reason to be- 
lieve that there is still one or more American Vessels employed in 
this most detestable traffic k, landing the Slaves on the East Side 
of the Sabine and so evading the Laws of Texas. 

It is also true that some Slaves were brought from Cuba and 
landed in Texas by the Am: Schooners Waterwich an^ Emperor 
a some few Months ago a Cargo was run at the Brasos uiver by a 
Vessel under Texas Colours 

I have had several conversations with Genl. Houston upon this 
important subject, and I am satisfied of his sincere anxiety to 
put a stop to the traffick in future. I have been shewn his con- 



14 Texas State Historical Association 

fidential communications on the subject with the Government of 
the United States and I am happy to say that Mr. Poinsetts^ 
promises to him have been carried into effect, there being at this 
moment 300 United States troops here destined to the Sabine 
upon that and other Service. 

I would also beg leave to call your attention to the Message 
delivered at which I had the honour of being present in the House 
of Representatives on the 4th Instant,^ in which General Houston 
laments the inability of their Navy to put an end to the traffick in 
Slaves, and calls upon the Government of His Majesty and of 
America to put it down. The burst of approbation upon the de- 
livery of that part of the Message was irrestrainable and I am 
confident that in the present sense of the people of Texas, before 
the introduction of Slaves from the United States becomes much 
greater, it would not be a matter of very great difficulty to induce 
the alteration and have that blot expunged from their Constitu- 
tional Charter. During the present year, emigration from all the 
Western Country of the United States owing to the Commercial 
distress which has of late affected this Country, is expected to be 
very extensive and all the planters from thence will carry in 
their Slaves along with them. So that in twelve months from this 
time, the Slave population of Texas will probably be doubled 
unless some remedy be applied to prevent it. 

Consequent of the change of the opinion of the People and 
Government as to their annexation to the United States, has been 
the authorization of the President to send a Commissioner to Eng- 
land in order to open if possible a Communication with His 
Majesty's Government, and General Houston's wish was to ap- 
point and dispatch the Commissioner forthwith, in all proba- 
bility Colonel Grayson the present Attorney General will be 
selected for this appointment.^ 

^Joel R. Poinsett was Secretary of War of the United States from 
March 14, 1837, to March 3, 1841. 

-The message was delivered May 5th, and is printed in the House Jour- 
nal, 1 Cong., 2 Sess., p. 9-16. 

'A joint resolution, requesting the president to appoint an agent to 
the Court of Great Britain, was approved May 15. 1837 (Gammel, Laws 
of Texas, I, 1287). A secret joint resolution, authorizing the president 
to instruct this agent to visit the Court of St. Cloud, was approved June 
7, 1837 (Secret Journals of the Benate, 315.) J. Pinckney Henderson 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 15 

The Government Vessels of this incipient Eepublick, are too 
small Schooners, they had issued numerous letters of marque at 
one time, but these have prudently been recalled excepting one, 
whose Cruize will not be out for two Months, after which it will 
not be renewed. Their Vessels have not committed any excesses 
upon the Commerce of any Nation excepting in the Instance of the 
Am : Brigantine Pocket,^ and the Cargo being contraband of War 
destined for the supply of the Mexican Army, the United States 
have been satisfied that the Texas Government should make good 
the Value of the Vessel to the Owners, which has been done and 
the Vessel is moored at a depot in Galveston Bay. 

I beg leave to acquaint you, that I made all and every enquiry 
during my stay in Texas as to the assistance which that Country 
has received from the United States, and I am quite satisfied that 
none whatever has been furnished by that Government or con- 
nived at in any way. Means have been found to evade the laws 
and assistance has been furnished by Individuals to a great extent 
but wherever there was a suspicion attached to such expeditions, 
there has been a prosecution of the parties by the United States, 
but generally such prosecutions have failed, because of the diffi- 
culty of obtaining sufficient evidence owing to the Sympathies of 
this people of America being roused by the atrocities of the Cam- 
paign of 1836, and their Interests also been deeply engaged in the 
success of the Struggle of their Sons and other relatives the Col- 
onists of Texas. 

Great inducements are held out to Settlers the price of land 
being 50 Cts. or 2/= Sterling pr. Acre, if purchased from the Gov- 
ernment, but large Grants are given to Emigrants, under the Con- 
ditions of the 24th Sec. of the Land Office Act passed on the 22d 
December 1836, to which I beg leave to refer, in the Telegraph 
No. 49. 

Upon the whole, Texas at present offers perfect Security of per- 
sons and property, a large field is opening there for the Con- 
sumpt[ion] of our Manufactures of every kind. Their Laws and 
Langfuaae are like our own and unless Mexico receives assistance. 



was commissioned minister to Great Britain June 20, 1837; he arrived 
at London on October 9th. 

'For an account of the case of the Brig Pocket, see The Quarterly, 
XII, 276-295. 



16 Texas Sinte Historical Association 

at this time unforseen, that Territory will never be subject to her 
Controul. 

Their Bane is the having sanctioned Slavery, a mistake which 
they would not again fall into, and which even now, were it made 
a Condition, might be remedied by Treaty with some influential 
Nation, before the evil has grown greater. 

America is deriving all the benefit of their Trade and a transit 
duty of 3 Cts. per lb. on the Cotton taken in return. It is true 
that this is draw back upon its exportation to Europe but the ad- 
vantages of a direct trade are wanting to Texas, of which they are 
well aware and would make a sacrifice to obtain commercial Inter- 
course with the rest of the World. 

The finances of Texas are in the very worst possible state, a 
Species of Scrip called Land Scrip, is issued and some of this 
paper has been negociated here and elsewhere in America, the 
amounts of these Bonds are redeemable in Lands. 

Bonds under similar Security to the extent of five Millions of 
Dollars have lately been issued and two Millions have been confided 
to some Commissioners who are gone to attempt their negociation 
in the Middle and Northern Cities of this Republick. — In the mean- 
time all the publick Authorities and Officers support themselves 
out of their private means, and as their pay tickets are issued dis- 
pose of them as they best can. A considerable and immediate Rev- 
enue will however arise out of the Import duties which take effect 
on the 1st. proximo, and will give means for the more pressing 

wants of the Government -, rn n j? j 

Jos. T. Crawford. 

To Eichard Pakenham, Esqr. 

His Majesty's Minister Plenipotio. etc. etc. etc. 

Mexico. 

[Endorsed] . . . Ext. to Bd. of Trade. . . . 

HAMILTON TO MACGUEGOR^ 

Copy. No. 1. Barbados. 

Sir, 23d June 1840. 

During my Stay in Texas, I was afforded frequent opportunities 

of conversing with a Number of Merchants, among them, some 

*F. O., Texas, Vol. 1. Sir Evan John Murray MacGregor, governor of 
the Windward Islands, in 1840 sent Commander Joseph Hamilton of the 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 17 

English, and others equally interested in the Trade with Great 
Britain, also many Cotton Planters, the tenor of their conversation 
verged to one and the same focus, namely; that they were most 
anxious to have a Commercial Treaty negotiated between Great 
Britain and that Country. 

I was assured by some of the most influential and enlightened 
persons there, that a Treaty of the description would meet with the 
greatest encouragement, and be placed upon the most favourable 
footing by that Country; jSTotwithstanding France might by her 
Treaty,^ consider herself entitled to a prior claim as the most 
favoured N'ation. 

The Planters and those Speculating in Cotton are most anxious 
to ship their produce direct to England rather than send it to the 
United States of North America where they only receive eight 
Cents per pound for the finest Staple and equal to any grown in 
that Country 

The advantages of such a Treaty would be reciprocal, moreover 
it would secure to Great Britain the Trade now carrying on be- 
tween that Country and the United States and in a very few years, 
all Commerce between those Countries would dwindle into mere 
insignificance. 

Should such a treaty be considered by Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment unnecessary or impracticable, I trust I am, not assuming too 
much, in recommending the appointment of a Government Agent 
to Texas, as an essential requisite for the purpose of protecting the 
British Commercial Interest now so rapidly increasing. 

-n-. -ni m Jos. Hamilton. 

His Excellency. 

Sir Evan John Macgregor, Bart. : etc. etc. etc. 

British Navy to Texas to reclaim certain negroes reported to have come 
into Texas as indentured servants, and then to have been made slaves. 
(Worley, "Diplomatic Relations of England and the Republic of Texas," 
The Quarterly, IX, 9-10; Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the 
Republic of Texas, III, 901-905 and 911-914, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 
1908, II. The Diplomatic correspondence of the Republic of Texas, edited 
by Dr. George P. Garrison, is published in two parts; part one appeared 
as volume two of the Annual Report of the American Historical Associa- 
tion for the year 1907, part two (in two volumes) appeared as volume 
two of the Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the 
year 1908. 

'Concluded at Paris, September 25, 1839, by J. Pinckney Henderson; 
ratified by Texas, January 13, 1840. {British and Foreign State Papers, 
XXX, 1227-1233.) 



18 Texas State Historical Association 

SHERIDAN TO GARRAWAY^ 

Copy. No. 3. Secretary's Office. 

July. 12. 1840. 
Sir, 

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your commimication of the 
6th Instant together with its enclosure, a Copy of a letter from 
Captain Hamilton to His Excellency the Governor suggesting the 
propriety of establishing a British Eesident in Texas for the pur- 
pose of protecting the British Commercial interest in that Country. 

With reference to this proposal His Excellency has been pleased 
to request that I should afford such observations as it may appear 
to me desirable to submit with the view of enabling Her Majesty's 
Government to become aware of the actual Condition of the Texian, 
authorities and people and the merits of Captain Hamilton's pro- 
posal for the employment of a political Agent in that Country. 

Before I speak of Captain Hamilton's proposition. It will be 
necessary for me, in justice to so important a subject and with 
the desire of affording all the information in my power according 
to His Excellency's wishes, to give 1st a brief account of Texas and 
her resources, 2dly. of the Government and Population, and 3rd 
of .such reasons as naturally occur for the acknowledgment of that 
Country as a Republic by Great Britain. 

Texas contains a superficial territory which may be fairly esti- 
mated at 200,000.000 acres, and lying between Lat. 26, 27 to 29|. 
34. 35 and 37| and Long. 93. 30 to 103. 30 West from Greenwich. 
This I mention because the Admiralty Charts with respect to the 
Coast are a degree and from 20 to 30 miles in error 

The value of land throughout Texas is at present from 50 Cents 
to 15 and 20 Dollars per Acre. 

The Cotton lands of Texas, from all the information, I could 
collect, will yield 3 times as much Cotton as the Carolinas or 
Georgia to the Acre twice as much as Albana [Alabama] and from 
25 to 40 per Cent, more than the lands of Louisiana or Mississipi. 

'F. O., Texas, Vol. 1. Francis C. Shoridan, Colonial Secretary under 
Governor MacGregor, Windward Islands, stationed at Barbados in 1840. 

Joseph Garraway, Acting Private Secretary to Governor MacGregor, 
and also a Judffe of Assistant Court of Appeals in Barbados. (Brit. 
Sess. Papers, 1840 — Commons — ^Vol. 3.5. Papers relative to the affairs of 
Barbados, pp. 41, 145, 149.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 19 

The value of Merchandize imported from the 30th June 37 to 
30tli June 1838 was estimated at 2,000,000, and a half Dollars. 

The imports [exports] this year may be estimated at 20,000 
bales of Cotton being about double the amount Shipped the year 
proceeding. 

The Four principal Sea Ports are. The Sabine, Galveston Mata- 
gorda, and Aransas. 

In consequence of Sand Bars which Stretch across the Mouths 
of all the Harbours of Texas there is none which will permit a 
vessel of any considerable draught to enter, Galveston is the 
best, and that has but 12 to 13 feet on the Bar. 

Texas has a small Navy which is about to be laid up in conse- 
quence of inability on the part of the Country to support it. 

To tlie best of my belief Texas may challenge the World to 
show richer and more productive Soil, than is to be found in her 
Territory. That, bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, and on the 
Banks of the Rivers is unquestionably the best adapted to the 
growth of the Cane and Cotton Plants. 

The latter is, and in my opinion will continue to be the Staple 
produce of the Country. Experiments in the culture of the Cane 
have been attempted and with fair success. Maize and Corn grow 
well in all parts of Texas but the growth of Wheat and Rye has 
not answered. 

It is fair however to state that this has only been attempted 
within 110 English Miles of the Coast; and it is the general 
opinion of the Settlers that when the population of Texas shall 
have advanced into the interior 150 or 200 Miles further the in- 
creased elevation and difference of Soil will afford a Region for the 
growth of Corn inferior to none on that Continent. The Lands 
very generally within the Coast Region have been selected and 
located by the early Settlers of Texas, and those who have emi- 
grated to the Country within the last 3 years including the Bounty 
lands of Soldiers which are at present in progress of location. I 
believe that a correct Estimate would give 100,000,000 of Acres as 
the property of Individuals on closing up the existing Claims, and 
100,000,000 as National Property of which 20,000,000 is good 
Cotton Land. 

The Government is carried on, as in America, and the Laws of 
Texas have with a very few slight alterations been copied from 



20 Texas State HiMcrical Association 

those of the United States, but are only nominally in force, for 
from the disturbed state of Society and the lawless characters of 
the Inhabitants the Authorities are as yet comparatively powerless. 

The population which may be estimated at 150,000* Souls are 
chiefly Americans, a few Germans, and some English and Irish. — 
These are principally Bankrupts, Swindlers and Felons from the 
United States occasionally diversified with an Oasis of respecta- 
bility which only renders the Desert of Villainy around more con- 
spicuous by contrast. 

The Amount of Emigration into the Country at this time may 
be reckoned at 5000 Souls per Month, and indeed so anxious are 
the Texians that it should be rapid and abundant and so utterly 
reckless as to the comp(ment parts that their Newspapers teem with 
invitations to the Debtors of America to seek for safety in the 
New Eepublic. 

At present I believe the most notable Vagabonds who settle in 
Texas are importations from New Orleans, owing to the contiguity 
of the latter, the deranged state of the Money Market in Louisiana 
the hourly Bankruptcies and because greater facility is afforded for 
absconding from thence by the Steam Communication kept up be- 
tween New Orleans and Galveston with which place alone, any 
thing like a direct and constant trade is carried on. 

Murder and exevy other Crime is of great frequency in Texas 
and the perpetrators escape with the greatest impunity. 

Many Murders were committed in the Island of Galveston and 
in the Country during my stay on the Coast, and I could never 
learn that one offender was brought to justice. It is considered 
unsafe to walk through the Streets of the principal Towns without 
being armed. 

The Bowie Knife is the weapon most in vogue and it may not 
be uninteresting here to state that the greater number of these 
Weapons are manufactured in Sheffield and Birmingham and 
brought over in British Ships as a profitable Speculation. I have 
seen one manufactured by "Bunting & Son" of Sheffield, the blade 
of which was 18 inches long and ornamented in beautiful trace [r]y 
on the Steel as "The genuine Arkansas Tooth Pick'' and I have 

^This, of course, is an excessive estimate. There are no authentic 
figures available for this date, but as late as 1847 the white population was 
but a little more than a hundred tliousand. 



BrUish Correspondence Concerning Texas 21 

been offered another for Sale also of English make the vender of 
which hinted that I ought to pay him a Dollar more than he de- 
manded, as he conld assure me it had tasted Blood. 

The Monetary Affairs of the Country are in a desperate state. 
The National Debt is only two Millions of Dollars^ but the Notes 
issued by Government are unavailable out of the Country except at 
New Orleans and even there, the Texian Dollar Note is at 80 per 
cent discount. 

A great part of the Government liabilities have been bought up 
at these prices by Speculators in New York, Baltimore etc, in 
expectation of the loan which Texas is endeavouring to raise, being 
obtained. 

■ The Sum desired to be raised is 5,000,000 of Dollars to be con- 
tracted for under the following terms,^ 1,000,000 would be required 
in 6 or 9 months, the remaining 4 by instalments of 1,000,000 in 
every 6 months there after 2,000,000, to be redeemed in less than 
30 Years but not less than 5 Years with interest not exceeding 10 
per Cent per Annum. 

With respect to the Government resources the Special Eeport of 
the Secretary of the Treasury gives the following Account. 

The estimated receipts for the ensuing year (i. e. 1840) as de- 
rived from the internal resources of the Country are 1,300,000 
Dollars 5'00,000 of which are derived from direct Taxes and land 
Dues 400,000, from Customs and the remainder from Sales of 
Land. Under the present Laws however owing to the great de- 
fects in prescribing the manner of Assessing and Collecting the 
direct Tax, and the inability of this Department to compel the 
receivers of Public Money to pay them into the Treasury. It is 
believed that not one fourth of that Sum would be realized to the 
Government, 

He then adds that by certain Sales of land an additional Sum 
of 283,000 Dollars would be obtained wliich gives $1,441,900 as 
"the estimated internal resources of the Country for the year 1840 
it being but 53,939. less than the current expenditure for the same 
period.'" 

^$2,164,000. in September, 1838 (Morphis, History of Texas, 390) ; but at 
the date of this letter, approximately $5,000,000. 
=Gammel, Laws of Texas, I, 1484-1486. 



22 Texas Slate Tlistorlail Association 

The funds requested for this year by what are termed the Dis- 
bursing Bureaus, are as follows 

War Department $784,351-27 Cents out of which 76,186, is re- 
quired for the year 1839 and 148,632 for the year 38. 

The Naval Department 550,787 

The President and his Secretary etc. 12,800 out of which the 
first gets 10,000. 

The State Department 80,400. 

The Congress in consideration of their Gigantic labours, and the 
risk they run of being "Bowie" knived during Debate (a custom 
of by no means rare occurrence) 135,000. 

Mr. Speaker appropriating 840 for his share and the Honorable 
Members 22,800. The Senate 20,950 of which the President and 
Members content themselves with 18,240 and there is one Striking 
peculiarity in the Conduct of these Gentlemen, which is, that al- 
though they deplore the condition of the ill paid Navy and regret 
that Government should be in arrears with the Army they take 
very good care to see that their exertions are strictly and regularly 
recompensed. 

The Estimated expenses of the Civil Department of the Govern- 
ment Amount to 276,520 Dollars, and there is a further demand 
of 71,000 for Civil and Contingent expenses. 

Before quitting this part of the subject, it may be as well to 
state that the Texian Governments had prior to my leaving the 
Coast determined to make one last struggle to relieve the Country 
of its debt of 2 Millions. This was to be effected by a land Tax 
which was [to] supersede every thing else of the kind ever at- 
tempted before. 

This Tax, whicli was to come into operation on the 1st of the 
present Month, ranges from 50 Cents (the minimum), or upwards, 
per every hundred Acres, on all lands whether cultivated or not and 
the value of the Lands were to be determined by Government Sur- 
veyors. By the collection of this impost they calculated not only 
to shake off the national encumbrances and establish the Credit of 
the Country, but also to put a considerable Sum into the Treasury 
Coffers; and I do not doubt it in the least, provided they could 
collect the Tax. But unfortunately the deranged State of Society 
and the general indisposition to pay anything will militate strongly 
against the levy, added to which there are vast numbers of men in 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 23 

Texas who have more acres of Land than half pennies, and to give 
some idea of the wretched poverty of some of these landed pro- 
prietors. I have only to state, that many to whom lands have 
been granted, have been known to hand over half their acres to 
the person appointed to locate them, in lieu of his (the locators) 
fees which they were unable to pay in Cash. 

Having thus to the best of my ability given a brief outline of 
the present State of Texas and its Government I will return to 
Captain Hamilton's Proposal. 

If the British Government have finally decided not to acknowl- 
edge Texas as an independent Eepublic,^ I cannot see of what use 
a resident in that Country, as proposed by Captain Hamilton, could 
possibly be or what protection he could afford to British Commer- 
cial Interests; But if the Government have it in the remotest con- 
templation to grant the recognition. It is my humble opinion that 
a competent person should be at once sent there to examine the 
Country, make himself acquainted with the character and habits 
of the people and report thereon. 

And he might in particular to be directed to obtain a thorough 
knowledge of the history of, and frauderlent dealings in the differ- 
ent descriptions of "Land Titles" and locations with a view to the 
protection and assistance of British Emigrants on their arrival in 
Texas and also to obtain as much information with respect to that 
part of the Country (of which little is known) which is best 
adapted for the growth of Grain and rearing of Cattle for to that 
region I think the tide of British Emigration will tend. 

Although the Character and I believe it to be a correct one, which 
I have given of the Texian people is certainly not a very pleasing 
one, still I do not wish to convey the idea that they are all Out- 
casts from Society on the contrary there are individual instances 
of talent, worth and respectability. On the example and exertions 
of these Men the future prosperity of Texas mainly depends and 
what is more to the purpose, the Mass tacitly acknowledge this, and 
do not seek to shackle their efforts by interference. 

I will most respectfully advance for consideration, as connected 

^Application for recognition made by J. Pinckney Henderson, October 13, 
1837; refused by Palmerston, January 27, 1838." (Garrison. Diplomatic 
Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 812 and 839, in Am. Hist. 
Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 



24 Texas Slate Historical Association 

with the present condition of the Texian Eepublic, a few reasons 
for believing that a recognition of her Independence by Great 
Britain would be of ultimate advantage to the Mother Country 

One of the greatest objections raised against this Step, in Eng- 
land as I understand is, that Texas being a Slave holding Country, 
presents an immense field for the traffic in Slaves. But with the 
greatest deference, I can but think that a prompt recognition of 
Texas by Great Britain if accompanied by encouragement and pro- 
tection to Emigration would have a directly contrary effect. 

By the Laws of Texas, Slaves may be introduced from the 
United States but not from the Main. Introducing them from 
other Countries being considered "piracy" and nominally punish- 
able by Death. I say nominally for although it is death according 
to Law and a matter of boast on the Score of humanity among 
the Texians, no sort of steps are taken to discover and punish 
Offenders, who consequently run their Cargoes with reckless im- 
punity, and in order that no doubt may exist as to the laxity of 
the authorities with the respect of this Law, there are persons, 
residents on some parts of the Coast, who are very generally known 
to be Slave Agents. The price of Slaves in Texas is enormous 
owing to the great demand for labour and the high price of 
Fetches.^ Slaves have been known to bring 1,500 to 2000 dollars 
a head there, while at the same time I saw them selling at 3 and 
400 Dollars in the Havannah Market. 

In consequence of this there is a competition between the Span- 
ish Slave holders and others and those of the United States partic- 
ularly those of Virginia, Carolinas, Georgia, Kentuchie Missouri 
and Tenisee, which rivaly will continue until Texas is stocked with 
sufficient Labourers to work the Lands already in process of culti- 
vation. 

The anxiety of the Texians that Great Britain should recognize 
their Eepublic is so evident, that I need not dilate on it; further 
than to state (and that from the very best authority,) that if it 
were done, they would allow England almost, to make her own 
terms upon every, even the Slave question, in which case The Home 
Department might not only insist upon the severest restrictions and 
penalties being imposed at once on the introduction of Slaves from 

*Co8t of transporting slaves to Texas {?). 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 25 

the Main, but might appoint their own Agent to suprintend and 
see that these penalties were inflicted 

In the mean while Emigration would be increasing gradually, 
making a proportionate decrease in the price of labour and conse- 
quently in the price of Slaves, till at length the Market price for 
them in Texas would hardly hold out sufficient inducement to the 
Speculator from the United States and most unquestionably little 
temptation to the Captain and Crews of Slave Vessels, when they 
found, that in addition to the deteriorating value they received 
from their ventures, a strict watch was kept upon their nefarious 
proceedings, and severe and certain punishment followed on de- 
tection. 

In addition I will with confidence state that in yielding a recog- 
nition Great Britain might make it a "sine qua non" that Slavery 
should ultimately be altogether extinguished, and that, at no very 
distant period. For it must be borne in mind, that with the excep- 
tion of the Coast Eegion, the Climate of Texas does not require 
the Constitution of the "Negro," on the contrary, in some parts the 
cold is too severe in Winter, to admit of his working without 
greatly suffering in health. And one White man will in such cases 
easily do the Work of two Blacks. Again with reference to British 
Emigration, the Maladies peculiar to the Coast region, will, if what 
I before advanced prove correct, be encountered by those who are 
accustomed to them. — Vizt. the American Cotton and Cane Plant- 
ers, and as I do not think that these Plantations, can be carried on 
by white Labourers, it will become a matter of consideration 
whether they could not be worked for the next five Years by the 
Colouied Population now in Texas under the System of Appren- 
ticeship, as in the West Indies, prior to thorough emancipation; 
And I think this might the more easily be done now, considering 
the small number of Slaves in Texas the Sum total not exceeding 
20,000. 

I need hardly remind you that about 2 years ago, an offer of 
annexation was made on the part of Texas to the United States,^ 
This, the latter thought fit to decline, a step which gave the great- 
est afEront to the young Eepublic and engendered a feeling of hos- 

^Refused by the United States in August, 1837. Texan independence 
was recognized by the United States in March, 1837; by France, 1839; 
by Holland and by Belgium, 1840; and by Great Britain, 1842. 



26 Texas State Historical Association 

tility, which though rapidly dying away, has yet sufficient life to 
render the renewal of such a proposition, and [out?] of the ques- 
tion, particularly as the population of Texas is quadrupled since 
the offer was made and the successes of the Settlers at the Battles 
of San Jacinto etc have inflated them with such sentiments of ad- 
miration at their own prowess as are only equalled by their pro- 
found contempt, for the Mexicans and Indians; in consequence of 
which they consider themselves competent to stand alone, I men- 
tion this because in a few years. They will become almost as in- 
different towards Great Britain, as they certainly now are towards 
America, which contemplating the superior terms to be made with 
them, is another reason for yielding an early recognition 

Premising this is granted (but again I must add, provided it is 
accompanied by encouragement and protection to Emigrants from 
home) England would derive in a few years from Texas a full 
supply of Cotton for her manufactures, equal if not superior to 
tliat now obtained from Louisiana, and Mississipi and if some 
slight and marked preference were given to her produce in Eng- 
land, the Planter and Labourer now working their nearly worn out 
land in the States would be found cultivating the Virgin Soil of 
Texas, and I really believe that twenty years would not pass away, 
before England (if necessary) might exclude every Bale of Cotton 
made in the States. 

I[n] conclusion T will add from Sources on which I can rely, that 
if England will grant a recognition, her recommendation to the 
Texians would induce them to pay Mexico from 3 to 5 Millions 
of Dollars for a recognition of their independence, by that Country 
and would also assume a portion of the Debt due by Mexico to 
British Merchants. For these purposes she would agree to issue 
Bonds, paying interest semi-annually to pledge the National Lands, 
or any portion of the Revenue derived from Customs as Security 
for the punctual Payment of such Bonds for the Satisfaction of 
the Mexican Government and the British Creditor 

Francis C. Sheridan 
Col. Secy. 
Joseph Ganaway, Esqr. 
A. P. Sy. ■ 

[Endorsed] In letter from the Colonial Office of 7 Sept, 1840. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 27 

MAILLARD TO PALMERSTON^ 

66 Ernest Street 
Albany Street 
Eegents Park. 
15tli Sept. 1840. 
My Lord, 

Immediately on my Arrival at Liverpool from the Eepublic of 
Texas I forwarded to the Government Journal an Account of tlie 
latest Movements of the Federalists in Texas, Which appeared in 
the Morning Chronicle of the 17th TJlt. Showing the course whicli 
the Texain Government has managed to pursue, pending the Strug- 
gle between the Centralists and Federalists of Mexico. In addition 
to which I beg to direct your Lordship's Attention to the traffic 
in Slaves, which is carried on at this Moment in the Most bare- 
faced Manner between the Southern States of America and the 
Eepublic of Texas. 

The Vessels employed in this branch of the American Slave 
Trade are Steamers of the first Class, of which there are no less 
than three the JSTeptune, Colombia, and New York. These Boats 
make two Voyages a Month from the States to Texas and the Num- 
ber of Slaves thus transported across the Gulf of Mexico may be 
estimated at one hundred each Boat per Month. Nothing would 
be deemed more just My Lord than the Seizure of the Boats thus 
employed, — Con[si]dering that Mexico the Country which in the 

'F. 0., Mexico, Vol. 142. Nicholas Doran Maillard, an English barrister 
at law, who came to Texas in 1840 in search of health and resided there 
six months. After the appearance of Kennedy's Texas (see note 1, p. 
43), Maillard published a History of the Republic of Te<xas (London, 
1842), in which he sought to refute Kennedy, to uphold the cause of Mex- 
ico, to prevent the ratification of British treaties with Texas, and to warn 
his countrymen against emigration to that state. (Bancroft, 'North Mex- 
ican States and Texas. II, 141.) 

Palmerston, British Foreign Secretary in Melbourne's Government until 
August 30, 1841, when the Tories came into power under Peel, and Aber- 
deen succeeded Palmerston at the Foreign Office. The great English anti- 
slave trade movement had waned somewhat between 1835 and 1840, but 
in the latter year was revived. Maillard's letter evidently seeks to use 
this revival of public interest to the disadvantage of Texas. Great 
Britain had treaties with various European powers granting mutual right 
of search of vessels suspected of being engaged in the slave trade, but the 
United States had refused to make such a treaty. The position of Texas 
in the matter was therefore of importance. (Adams, British Interests 
and Activities in Texas, 55.) 



28 Texas State Historical Association 

eyes of Great Britain still holds the Sovereignty of Texas, Was 
the first civilized Nation that abolished Slavery, and that, that act 
was not only seized by the British Government of 1824 as the 
Medium of renewing our intercourse, which had been suspended 
for four or five Years, but was also made the ostensible basis on 
which our future relationship with Mexico was to rest, — And that 
the Legislature of Texas, (if she may for an instant be deemed 
an Independent Eepublic) the Country to which the Slaves are 
taken, has made the Importation of Slaves by Sea piracy, and lastly 
the United States, the Country to which the Boats belong, as if to 
demonstrate to the World Her repugnance to the Slave Trade, In 
the Month of May last seized six small vessels in the Port of New 
York on a mere suspicion that they were fitting out for the Slave 
Trade. The Federalist Standard has been used, and is for the 
most part supported by the Texain and American Citizens. The 
Government of United States, have commenced pouring supplies 
into Texas, in order that She may be able to fulfil her engagements 
with the Federalists, and if Texas can only get sufficient Slave 
labour to develope her resources the Federalists must succeed 
eventually, when we shall see Slavery revived and perpetuated, and 
other Institutions still more injurious to our Interests, and repug- 
nant to our National prejudices established throughout Mexico, 
whose dismemberment at this or any future period must prove 
most ruinous to British Interests in that quarter. 

The recent alterations which have been made, with regard to 
the Western Boundary of Texas is also worthy of Your Lordship's 
attention. Up to the Month of May 1840 the Republic of Texas 
claimed the whole territory West of the Sabine River which divides 
Texas from the United States to the Rio Grande or Rio del Norte, 
but at the period above mentioned, the Republic of Texas ceded 
the Territory lying between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande, 
to the New Republic of Rio Grande.^ The Nueces being the East- 
ern Boundary of the State of Cohahula which separated it from 
the Province of Texas as laid down by the Council of Department, 
for the Provinces or States, established under the Federal Consti- 
tutional Act of 1824, but should the Federalists fail in their at- 

'Needless to say, this statement had no f.)imdation in fact. For an ac- 
count of the Republic of the Rio Grande see Bancroft, North Mexican 
States and Texas, II, 326-32. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 29 

, tempt to establish the Independence of the Eepublic of Rio Grande, 
Texas will doubtless lay Claim again to the Territory in question. 
Should Your Lordship wish any further information on the 
Subject of the Importation of Slaves to Texas, or any other rela- 
tive to the present state of that Country, I shall any time feel great 
pleasure in supplying Your Lordship with such facts as come under 
My own immediate Notice 

Nichs. Maillard 
To The Right Honourable. 
Viscount Palmerston. M. P. 

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs etc. etc. etc. 

HOOK TO PALMERSTON^ 

Co^j. April 30th, 1841. 

My Lord, 

In the Month of March last year I had the honor of submitting 
for your Lordship's perusal a short sketch of the Republic of Texas. 
Since that period, a combination of circumstances. Political, Com- 
mercial and Moral have taken place there, which in my humble 
opinion, justly claims the early attention of Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment. 

In soliciting the honor of Your Lordship's consideration of the 
following Statements, I beg leave most respectfully, to inform you, 
that I have used much exertion to obtain my information from 
sources on which I can rely for Correctness, and that in adopting 
this Method of addressing Your Lordship, I have two grand objects 
in view, viz: — The exterdion of British Commerce and the Aboli- 
tion of Slavery. 

The political Change which has taken place in Texas since March 
last cannot be unknown to Your Lordship. Since that period the 
Govmt of France has officially acknowledged the independence of 
Texas, and her Ambassador, Genl Henderson, has been received at 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 2. Hook has not been positively identifi.'!. A James 
Hook was appointed in July, 1842, as '"Commissioner of Arbiti.aion in the 
mixed British and Foreign Courts for the Suppression of the Slave Trade," 
at Sierra Leone, and arrived at that place, from England, on December 3, 

1842. Whether or not he was the writer of this letter is uncertain. 

(British Sessional Papers, 184.3 — Commons — Vol. LVIII. Correspondence 
on the Slave Trade, Class A, p. 1.) 



30 Texas State Jlisiorical Association 

Court b.y His Majesty, the King of the Frencli, and ^I. Soligny/ 
Minister of France to the Eepublic of Texas has been received by 
the President at Austin with marked respect.^ Since March last 
year many thousands of Anglo Americans, British and Germans 
have with their families and property become settlers in the Re- 
public of Texas. This together with the recognition of her inde- 
pendence three years ago, by the United States has greatly con- 
soladated her power. She now possesses a Civil, Military and 
Naval Strength more than adequate to secure her self against any 
attempt which Mexico might make to reconquer her lost Province. 
Indeed the daily encreasing power of Texas, and the continued 
revolutions and counter revolutions of Mexico are sufficient proof 
for my making this assertion. 

Before entering on the purport of my Jetter, extcntion of Com- 
merce and the Abolition of the Slave trade and Slavery in Texas, 
permit me briefly to call Your Lordship's attention to the happy 
position of this new Republic as a Commercial Country, and its 
immense value to Great Britain as such. And the[n] point out a 
plan by which I firmly believe that Slavery may be forthwith abol- 
ished in Texas, which, when accomplished, would prove a powerful 
engine in the hands of Abolitionists towards extinguishing that 
moral pest in the United States, an event devoutly to be wished 

^Saligny. 

-Three treaties had been concluded also by Hamilton, for Texas, and 
Palmerston, for Great Britain; (a) k treaty of amity and commerce, in- 
volving recofijnition of Texas (November 13, 1840) ; (b) a treaty providing 
British mediation between Texas and INIexico (November 14, 1840) ; (c) 
a treaty giving mutual right of search of vessels engaged in the African 
slave-trade (Jsovember 16, 1840). The first and second of these treaties 
were transmitted to Texas on December 3, 1840, but the third was not 
sent until January 4, 1841, Hamilton writing that the delay was due to 
his anxiety that the slave-trade treaty should be carried to Texas by a 
confidential friend, A. T. Burnley, who could explain the necessity Ham- 
ilton was under of signing a treaty he had had no authority to negotiate. 
British agents suspected Hamilton of delaying the treaty in the hope that 
when Texan approval of the first and second treaties was received. Great 
Britain would ratify them without waiting for the third. Tlie result was 
unfortunate. Texaw sanction of the first and second treaties was trans- 
mitted to Hamilton on February 12, 1841. On February 21, Burnley, 
writing from Houston, sent the slave-trade treaty to the Texan govern- 
ment too late for approval by congress, which had adjourned. Great 
Britain insisted on exchanging ratifications of all three treaties at the 
same time, and thus all were unduly delayed until June 28. 1842. (Gar- 
rison, Diplomatic Correspondence of ihe Republic of Texan. Ill, 919-943, 
in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II; Worley, in The Qu.vrterly, IX, 
11-10; Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 67-()8.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 31 

for; — An event which all Europe and IMillionp in America wish to 
see accomplished, and which must infallibly take place. 

Should I be so fortunate as to succeed in inducing Your Lord- 
ship to honor my suggestions by taking effective Measures to exter- 
minate Slavery in Texas, I shall ever rejoice in having been the 
humble Agent who called Your Lordship's Attention to a Measure 
which, when attained will prove an endless [blessing?] to the human 
family; and to Your Lordship, it will add another Claim of grati- 
tude for Your invaluable labours in this holy cause, from every 
friend of freedom in the British Empire. 

Though I am possessed of a minute account, written by an eye 
witness of the rise, progress, and final achievement of the manner 
in which the Texians gained their independence of Mexico, as made 
known to the World by the proclamation of their delegates dated 
March 17th^ 1836, yet as such account, though interesting, is not 
absolutely necessary for my object, I shall not increase the length 
of my letter by inserting its details. 

The Eepublic of Texas is of much greater extent than was the 
Province of Texas while forming part of the late Mexican Confed- 
eracy. When Texas declared her independence of Mexico in 1836 
she was joined by the State of Tamaulipas which lies North and 
east of the Eio del Norte, and likewise by all that part of New 
Mexico which lies east of the same, together with the Province of 
Santa Fee. The boundary of Texas as at present defined, is as 
follows. Beginning at the Mouth of the Rio del Norte, about the 
26th. degree of North latitude, and up that River to its source 
thence a due North course to the source of the River Arkansas, the 
boundary line of the United States, following that River in its 
various windings to the 100th. degree of longitude from London. 
Then a line due North [South] to the Red River, following the 
course of the Red River to a line due North from the junction of 
the Sabine River with the 33d [32d] parallel of latitude, and about 
the 94th degree of longitude, then following the course of the 
Sabine River to its termination in the Gulf of Mexico, taking the 
Coast Westward, include the various Islands, to the Mouth of the 
Rio del Norte. Texas, therefore has a mean length of about 700 
Miles, a breadth of about 450 Miles and a sea coast of nearly 500 

^The indopendence of Texas was declared ]\Tarcli 2, 1836; tlie constitu- 
tion was adopted by the convention March 17. 



32 Texas State Historical Association 

Miles in extent, containing in all about 250,000 Square Miles. 
These and other corrections together with the Sites etc, are duly 
set forth in the Map of Texas attached to this letter,^ but of course 
allowances must be made for this early geographical Map of the 
new Eepublic of Texas. 

It is extremely difficult to give any thing like a correct statistical 
account of the Eepublic of Texas. The reports from thence, even 
from persons Just returned, are so much at variance with each 
other, that but little reliance can be placed on them. 

The Independent Eepublic of Texas is, in extent much larger 
than France, and is now inhabited by freemen, chiefly Anglo- 
Americans and Britons, who have carried with them the language, 
the habits and lofty love of liberty, that has always characterised 
and distinguished their Ancestors, and must infallibly produce im- 
portant effects on Mexico, as well as the Slave States of the Union. 
To the latter it will form a barrier against her extending the pes- 
telential system of Negro Slavery. And extensive dealings with 
Mexico cannot fail to introduce great improvement into that rich 
and interesting Country. 

The population of Texas exclusive of Indians and Slaves is about 
220,000, and about 40,000 Indians.^ As to the number of Slaves, 
I find it quite impossible to ascertain its correctness, but from what 
I have learned, I believe that their number is yet under 10,000. 
A copy of an important Tariff as published by the Government is 
added at the end of this letter." Documents containing an account 
of the Exports and imports of the Eepublic have not yet reached 
this Country. 

Perhaps there is not in the records of history any instance of a 
Nation rising so rapidly as the Eepublic of Texas has done. Within 
three years upwards of 200,000 emigrants have settled in that 
Country, and Towns and villages have been raised as by magic. 
The Town of Galvasfon, three years ago, consisted of only three 
houses; now, 1840, there are more than six hundred houses many 
of them ellegant dwellings, and a population of upwards of 4,000 
Souls. Similar occurances have taken place at Matagorda, Hous- 

^N'ot found. 

^Concerning this excessive estimate of the population see note, page 20. 

'Not found. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 33 

tan, Austin, and other places. The increase of the population in 
Canada, — Demerara etc. can bear no comparison with this 

One of the most striking features of the character of Texas, is 
the number of her Rivers, which empty themselves into the Gulf 
of Mexico, and afford the means of extending inland traffic by 
water. The principal are the Brazos, Colorado, Trinadad, Guad- 
aloup, Sabine, San Antonio, Rio de las Nuecis and Naches. Some 
of these afford the means of Navigation for hundreds of Miles into 
the upper parts of the Country. Already Steam boats are em- 
ployed on some of those Rivers. 

A mere glance at the accompanying Map^ will at once show the 
immense advantage which must accrue to Texas from its fine 
rivers and local position. ■ In an inland direction, its Commerce 
by means of these rivers, may be extended many hundreds of Miles 
into Mexico, on the one side and the United States on the other. 
Her means of foreign intercourse from her Shores on the Gulf are 
excellent. From Galvaston to the Mouth of the great river Mis- 
sissippi, is only two days sail, and from thence we may penetrate 
by water as far as Canada. In an additional day or two's sail we 
may reach Vera Cruz, Havanna and other West India Markets. 
Within thirty days sail from Galvaston we may arrive in an Eng- 
lish Port, and now that Steam conveyance is about being estab- 
lished, the voyage to Liverpool may be accomplished in sixteen 
days. 

Such is a hasty sketch of the above unequalled Commercial posi- 
tion of Texas, but in this outline I have omitted to notice her 
means of trade in furs with tlie various Nations of Indians adjoin- 
ing her territory. 

Here it may be necessary briefly to notice the climate, soil and 
productions of Texas. As to its climate its salubrity is proverbial 
all over America. The Country has hitherto been exempt from 
pestelential diseases, and the yellow fever, so common in the West 
Indies, is here unknown. February is the only winter month, and 
so very mild is it, that snow is rarely" seen, and ice only when the 
wind blows from the North at that season. The thermometer falls 
in winter to about 68, and in summer seldom rises higher than 80. 
In a word the mJldness and salubrity of the Climate of Texas has 
no equal in America. 

'Not found. 



34 Texas Stair I/islorical Association 

The newly arrived Ango American or European Agriculturist 
and Mechanic are quite capable of pursuing their calling in the 
same way and to the same extent as they did in their Native Coun- 
try. In the Northern part of this Republic the climate differs but 
little from that of the South of Europe. 

As to the soil its capabilities are vast. — Perhaps there is no sec- 
tion on the surface of the globe possessing so much fruitful land 
and so little barrenness. Its virgin soil needs no manure and but 
little agricultural labour to prepare it for producing all that is val- 
uable either in Europe, Asia or Africa, so very rich and productive 
is the land in Texas that it will produce two Crops of grain in one 
year. Good land will raise one bale and a half of Cotton per acre, 
each weighing from 500 to 600 pounds, and at the present time, 
worth about Ninety dollars. It will raise from forty to sixty bush- 
ells of Indian Corn per Acre. — Its delightful prairies, even in a 
state of Nature, are perpetual gardens, producing the most delicious 
fruits, — Flowers the most beautifully varregated and all kinds of 
garden vegetables, may be obtained in every season of the year. 

To enumerate the various productions and capabilities of the 
"Garden of the West" would require the space of a volume, but it 
would be unpardonable not to point out its leading productions and 
growing commercial worth to Great Britain. 

Nature has evidently given to Texas commercial advantages 
which she has denied to every part of Mexico and other surround- 
ing States. Few Countries, if any, are more favorably situated for 
carrying on an extensive and lucrative foreign and domestic trade. 
Its resources are immense. — Bounded on the South and West by 
the rich mining districts of San Louis Potosi, New Mexico and 
Santa Fee, it must form the medium of Communication between 
those parts and the civilized. world. This circumstance, and the 
commercial position of Texas cannot fail to have a considerable 
influence on the future destiny of the surrounding Nations, while 
at the same time, its trade in bullion will be extensive and profit- 
able. 

It is true that Texas is capable of producing almost every thing 
which we import in a raw state from foreign Countries, but like 
other Nations, she too, has her staple articles. The first, and de- 
eidely, to Great Britain, the most important is her Cotton. Her 
soil, climate and position for producing this most valuable Article 
has no equal, and though in England more than one Million and a 



British. Correspondence Concerning Texas 35 

half of people are employed in this trade, Texas can produce more 
Cotton, and at a cheaper rate than we at present consume. I would 
here beg leave to observe, that we, in payment for this and other 
raw Materials, give our manufactured goods of Manchester, Glas- 
gow, Sheffield and Birmingham. I need not stop to point out the 
great advantage which must arrise to our merchants and manu- 
facturers from such a Commerce. The immense value of a grow- 
ing customer like the Eepublic of Texas, must be obvious to all. 
She is, and will be for more than a hundred years to come, desti- 
tute of all kinds of manufacturies, whilst her daily encreasing pop- 
ulation and wealth will require a supply of almost every thing made 
in this Country, for the payment of which, as before stated, she 
will give us bullion and raw Materials. 

Among the many valuable productions of Texas, its timher may 
be mentioned. The live oak is one of the largest; it grows to an 
enormous size, some trees measuring fifteen feet in circumference 
and maintaining this size, more than thirty feet from the ground. 
Besides the live oak, there are the T^Hiite oaks, elm, cedar, cypress 
etc. For ship building the live oak of Texas is superior to any 
other on the Continent, and what renders this timber still more 
valuable for exportation is, that it grows mostly near the rivers, 
by means of which it can be cheaply floated down to the sea coast 
for shipping. And as shippers embarking Cotton would be glad to 
ship Oak as ballast, it could be imported into England at a much 
less cost than the teak of Sierra Leone or any other place. 

In addition to the bullion, cotton and timber, Texas also exports. 
Hides, Furs, Beeswax, Salted provisions. Flour, grain, horses, 
cattle, etc. 

The Eepublic of Texas ofPers a field for almost unbounded enter- 
prise, it[s] wonderful capabilities for productions — Its happy posi- 
tion and enterprising inhabitants prove that it possesses within 
itself, all the elements of national greatness and prosperity. 

The contiguity of the rich, but feebly governed Eepublic of 
Mexico and its almost total ignorance of Manufacturies, will of 
course be taken advantage of by the enterprising Merchants and 
traders of Texas. It is not only the consumption of British Mer- 
chandize in the Markets of Texas to which we ought to look but 
also through her with Mexico and the adjoining Countries. 

The prospects of trade between our own Country and Texas are 



36 Texas State Historical Association 

highly important and are founded on the great reciprocal principle 
of the latter heing able to furnish us with nearly all that we want 
in the way of produce, cheaply and in return, she will take our 
manufactured Cottons, Woolens, Silks, Hardwares etc. — A com- 
merce founded on such a basis must become flourishing and tend to 
cement a valuable connection between the two Countries. 

The Texian Government has adopted in her judicial Code, trial 
by jury, and allows free exercise of all religions. She has author- 
ised the adoption of the English language in all legal proceedings, 
and it is the general language throughout Texas. In January last 
both houses of Congress passed a resolution, establishing the Com- 
mon law of England as the basis of Texian jurisprudence. 

The importation of Slaves by sea into Texas, constitutes the 
crime of felony, and is punishable by death. But, unhappilly, she 
permits Slaves to be brought across the boundary line between her 
and the United States. And though in one sense this may not 
increase the number of Slaves in America, yet as the Climate of 
Texas is infinitely superior to that of the Slave districts of the 
United States it will tend to prolong the existence of Slavery. 

Having thus sketched the commercial position and capabilities 
of Texas,, it needs but little argument to prove that an immense 
advantage would accrue both to Great Britain and the Republic, 
by forming a Treaty of Commerce between the two Nations. 

The government of the United States ever alert in fostering and 
extending her commerce, was the first to acknowledge the Inde- 
pendence of Texas, by which Act she secured commercial privileges 
of great value to her Merchants. In Europe, France was the next 
to follow the example of the Government of Washington. An im- 
portant Treaty of Commerce between France and Texas has been 
effected, and which treaty was duly signed and ratified by the Sen- 
ate of Texas on January 22nd 184.0.^ This act on the part of 
France was not done without due enquiry into the Affairs and 
stability of the Government of Texas, for which purpose a Mission, 
consisting of two commercial Gentlemen, was sent out by the 
French Government to collect correct information as to the com- 
mercial and political Affairs of Texas.^ On the report of this 
Mission a treaty as above stated was the consequence. 

'The treaty with France was ratified January 13. 

^The writer, perhaps, had in mind tlie visit of M. Saligny to Texas in 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 87 

The latter observations naturally bring me to the most important 
part of my letter, viz — to suggest to Her Majesty's Government, 
the propriety, I had almost said the necessity of our forming a 
treaty of commerce with the valuable Commercial • Republic of 
Texas. Indeed, from the immense amount of British property 
already embarked in the Texian trade a Government protection of 
our interest appears indispensible. 

I have good reasons for stating that the Government of Texas 
is most desirous of forming a Commercial treaty with Her 
Majesty Queen Victoria, and that to obtain this it would gladly 
listen to the most liberal terms, as to commercial intercourse. And 
also conclude Arrangements for the final abolition of Slavery 
throughout the Texian Republic. In order to accomplish this 
great object, I think the present circumstances are peculiarly favor- 
able, and that Her Majesty's Ministers have now an opportunity 
of inflicting a Mortal wound on the giant slavery existing in the 
United States, by simply forming a Commercial treaty with the 
Independent Republic of Texas, but in which treaty the full 
Abolition of slavery should be made the Sine qua ISTon. 

When Texas first achieved her Independence, her population was 
small, and in her hour of need and difficulty, her then Government 
sanctioned the Planters and Slave Owners of the United States, 
with their Slaves, to settle in the New Republic, but now her sit- 
uation is greatly altered. — Her population has immensely increased, 
and is daily increasing, not only in numbers but also in physical 
and moral power. In this respect she has exceeded the expecta- 
tions of her most sanguine friends 

The number of Slaves already in Texas is, as before mentioned, 
not large, and it is generally believed that her Government would 
readily entertain any feasible plan by which this blighting section 
of her laws might be for ever expelled from her judicial Code. — 
The friends of abolition are numerous and powerful even in that 
Republic. — The persons in Authority at present are also disposed 
to get rid of Slavery and would gladly listen to the proposal if 
accompanied with a treaty of Commerce from Great Britain. In- 
deed the moral tone and influence already produced by the large 
numbers of Emigrants from Europe and the Northern States of 

1839. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, 
III, 1271, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, II, 1908.) 



38 Texas State Historical Association. 

America already begin to assume an import station [important 
character?] in favor of freedom. 

Many of the Slaves now labouring in Texas are only hired out 
by their owners in the United States to the Texian Planters, who 
can afford a much higher rate of Wages to labourers than is paid 
in the Union, with such there could be no difficulty 

The very important commercial treaties lately effected by Your 
Lordship, and your coadjutors afford a most substantial proof of 
willingness and activity in behalf of the general commerce of our 
Country, and as the cause which I am humbly advocating, com- 
bines both Commercial interest and philantrophy, I am induced to 
hope that Her Majesty's Ministers will be pleased to undertake 
this additional great Measure towards the extinction of Slavery in 
America. — A Measure which could not fail to establish their pop- 
ularity throughout Great Britain, and call forth the lasting grati- 
tude of every friend of the human race. 

By effecting the final abolition of Slavery in Texas, we at once 
extinguish that horrid traffic in a Country which, ivithout our in- 
terference, might become one of the most extensive Slave Markets 
in America. And instead of a Slave State, we should, by our aid, 
raise up a Free and powerful Eepublic between Mexico and the 
United States which must ultimately, by example and sympathy, 
effect a mighty change in the Slave districts across the Sabine 
Eiver. 

Should the proposed plan for extinguishing Slavery in Texas, 
be followed by a treaty for a similar purpose, with Spain, and 
Brazil, Slavery would, thereby receive its death blow in the ISTew 
World, and its nefarious pursuit on the Coast of Africa be ren- 
rendered fruitless. In a word, this would effectually close all the 
great Marlcets for Slaves, and do more towards putting an end to 
the export Slave trade in Africa than any number of Ships which 
we may send to sea for that purpose. I need say nothing about the 
immense saving of expence and valuable lives which would result 
from this plan. 

Before closing my observations, permit me to giVe an extract 
from an able writer on the present Chinese question which appears 
to me scarcely less applicable to our connection with Texas than 
the Celestial Empire 

"It is, says he, "practically impossible for any Nation to carry 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 39 

on a quiet lucrative commerce with others, and yet refuse to enter 
into some species of deplomatic relation with them. The incon- 
venience of the want of such recognized relations may be indured 
for a season, but individual violations on one side or the other, are 
sure at some time or other to bring the reductio ad absurdum." 

In concluding I would beg to add, that if ever there was a period 
when the general trade and commerce of Great Britain required the 
aid of Government in securing New Markets for our Merchandise, 
it is certainly the present. Our powerful oponents in Europe, and 
the United States of America, meet us as rivals in every Market in 
the Universe. 

The Government of France and the United States have gained 
the start on us in Texas, but I trust that the day is at hand, when 
our Merchants and Ship Owners shall have their persons and prop- 
erty, in the New Eepublic, protected by an Agent or Consul of Her 
Majesty Queen Victoria, and if necessary, that She will be pleased 
to order a Mission, as was done by France last year, to be sent out 
for the purpose of making an authentic report of the present sit- 
uation of the Government. — Commerce — Slavery, etc of Texas. 
The commercial interests of our Country and the sacred cause of 
philantrophy equally join in the appeal to Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment. 

The Eight Honorable. J™''' ^""^^ 

Lord A^'iscount Palmerston. M. P. etc. etc. etc. 

NEPEAN TO DOUGLAS^ 

Copy. H. M. Sloop "Comus." 

Confidential. Jamaica 24 Jul v. 1841. 

Sir. 

As far as I can understand the nature of these Despatches, 
gleaned from Messrs. Welde and Harrison,^ the Commissioners, our 
Government at home, are desirous of bringing about a reconcilia- 
tion between Mexico and her lost province of Texas, and I have 
been given to understand that Mr. Pakenham has been ordered 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 2. Evan Nepean, Commander of the Comus from May 
9, 1839, to March 4, 1842. Peter John Douglas, Commodore on the Mag- 
nificent from 1838 to November, 1841 ; and Commander-in-Chief of West 
Indian Squadron, June 21 to September 30, 1841. (Brit. Sess. Papers, 
1852— Lords— Vol. 17. Return of Naval Appointments, 1831 to 1851.) 

''Not identified. 



40 Texas Htnte Historical Assocmtion 

to act as Mediator between the two parties, but I fear hitherto with 
little or no success.^ 

It is very certain that Mexico has great reason to feel indignant, 
at the bad faith and total want of honesty on the part of the 
Tesians in the first instance, but as these people are now become 
a free and independent Eepublic and recognized as such by the 
great powers of Europe, it is folly to contend an'y longer against 
the state of things which is totally out of the power of Mexico to 
remedy. 

So far the Texians have made a very fair offer, namely, that if 
Mexico will recognize her as an independent nation she will take 
upon herself a portion of the debt due to England, to the amount 
of one Million Sterling to be paid by instalments a most exorbitant 
sum for a people just emerged out of the forest. But by all ac- 
counts Ihe resources are being developed with a most surprising 
activity, and her population has increased within this five or six 
years from 4,000 to 300,000,^ and is continuing to augmert in the 
same ratio indeed even with the physical strength She now 
possesses. She may bid defiance to the Mexican Armies. It will 
therefore be good policy on the part of Mexico to accept the terms 
proposed, less a more disadvantageous state of things should arise, 
which might oblige [her] to make a still greater sacrifice for sooner 
or later Texas will, by force of Arms oblige her to come to terms, 
and instead of losing one Province, she may find herself sure of 
[losing] one or two more. 

The totally disorganized state of the Government of Mexico is 
such, that she will in all probability fall to pieces even without any 

^Various overtures for peace had been made. In October, 1838, Pal- 
merston instructed Pakenham to use his good offices toward peace; and, 
in 1839, the latter sounded the Mexican government but received little 
encouragement. In the same year, Bee, aided by Pakenham, began over- 
tures to Mexico but witl;i no result; while in December, 1839, .flamilton 
outlined to Pakenham the terms of the Texan offer, and a little later 
James Treat Avas oflicially commissioned to present these terms to Mexico. 
Thus Pakenham had been active before the treaty of November 14, 1840, 
providing P.ritish mediation was negotiated; but did practically nothing 
after that date until June, 1841, when he supported unsuccessfully the 
proposals of Texas made through Judge Webb. (Adams, British Interests 
and Activities in Texas, 27-62; Bancroft, North Mexican Htates and Texa^, 
II, 340; Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, 
II, 470, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 

^See note, page 20. 



Biitisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 4-1 

external aid ; the whole body politic is corrupt, beyond what in 
Eiirope would be supposed. 

I heard from good authority that Tampico, and the province to 
which it belongs were on the eve of seperating, the crisis will in all 
probability be hastened since the refusal on the part of Mexico, to 
receive either by word or deed, the advances made by the Texian 
Commissioners which I heard at the Havana, had been the case and 
that all communications had been refused 

I expect that on their return, this circumstance will exasperate 
their Countrymen to the utmost, and unless England can keep them 
within bounds, they will make Mexico with every man that is 
capable of carrying a Eifle, taking into consideration their being 
well stocked with funds, having made a very successful loan in 
France,^ and that they have already a large party in the Country 
in their favour, they will in all probahility succeed for the Yuca- 
tanians will so combine their movements as to make a simultane- 
ous attack on both extremities at the same moment. 

I understand that these latter people have a strong party in their 
favour at Vera Cruz, as elsewhere along the Coast they have 
already the nuculus of an Army in the field, and their Cruizers 
have several times appeared of[f] the Castle of St. Juan d'Ulloa, 
to reconnoitre while we were lying at Sacrificios.^ 

To give you some idea of the Gaspillage^ going on even at Vera 
Cruz, I heard it repeated over and over again that the Battery 
erected .igainst the Schooner San Bernard* was merely to draw 
Money out of the Treasury, the Sand Bags cost nearly 7,000 Dol- 
lars, and afterwards resold: — the Military and those employed 
pocketed nearly two thirds of the sum, it is in this manner the 
public Money is fritted away from one end of the Eepublic to 
the other. 

General Vittoria, the Governor, has long been in a deplorable 
state of health, brought on, I understand, by intemperance: he 

'The negotiations for a loan in France were not successful. 

^Sacrificios, a small island south of Vera Cruz. "Vessels of war of 
other nations anchor about three miles below [San Juan de Ulloa], near 
the island of Sacrificios." (Thompson, Recollections of Mexico, 2.) 

^That is, wastefulness. 

*This incident is also referred to by James Webb. (Garrison, Diplo- 
matic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, II, 751, in Am. Hist. 
Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 



42 Texas State Uistorieal Association 

was not expected to live when I left. I believe he knev/ little of 
what was going on, at the period Just mentioned. 

With this state of things there appears a most perfect apath}^ of 
the Eepublie at large, or more particularly in the interior; All the 
bigoted old Spanish prejudices against foreigners appear to be 
again reviving, and the present rulers have come to the mild de- 
cision, that as they have every thing they want in their own Ter- 
ritory, they can do without Foreign Commerce: thus the heavy 
duties on every Article of Manufacture. Every one appears to be 
aware of the unfitness of the present Men to govern them, and they 
are now groaning under a complete Military Despotism 

I mention these circumstances, thinking it adviseable for the 
public Service that one British Man of War at least should be per- 
manently stationed at Vera Cruz. The French have always two, 
and others, I understand are expected. The Americans have also 
two, these Squadrons have their rendezvous at Pensacola The 
Spaniards have one Vessel. 

Evan ISTepaii. 
Commander P. T. Douglas. Commander. 

Senior Officer, etc. etc. etc. 
Jamaica 

[Endorsed] In letter from Admy. of Oetr. 21. 1841. 

PALMERSTON TO ELLIOT^ 

F. 0. 

Draft to Captain Elliot. August 4, 1841. 

Sir, 

I have to acquaint you that The Queen has been graciously 
pleased to select you to be Her Majesty's Consul General to the 

'F. O.. Texas, Vol. 3. Sir Charles Elliot (1801-1875), entered the 
British navy in 1815, and saw active service until 1828, when he virtu- 
ally retired, being thereafter employed in the service of the foreign or 
colonial office. In 1834 he went to China as secretary to the trade com- 
missioners, and in 1837 became chief superintendent, thus being the 
British official in authority at Canton at the time of the Opium War of 
1840. The war was checked by a preliminary treaty arranged by Elliot; 
but the treaty was disavowed by both British and Chinese governments, 
and the war was revived, while Elliot was superseded. On his return 
home, he was for a time unemployed, but was subsequently sent to Texas, 
where he held the position of British charg6 d'affaires until Texas was 
annexed to the United States. He later was governor of Bermuda, 1846- 



BritisJi Correspondence Concerning Texas 4o 

Republick of Texas. Your Commission in that Character, under 
the Eoyal Sign Manual and Signet, will be forthwith prepared, and 
on your arrival in England, you will be furnished with the Instruc- 
tions of H. M's Government for your guidance in the Post to which 
Her Majesty ha? appointed you 

I have at the same time to state to you that Her Majesty has 
also been graciously pleased to signify Her intention of causing 
you to be accredited to the Grovernment of Texas in the further 
Character of Her Charge d' Affaires, so soon as the Ratification of 
the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation which has been 
concluded between Her Majesty and the Eepublick of Texas, shall 
have been exchanged. 

P. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. 31 Surrey St. Strand. 

October 12th. 1841. 
My Lord, 

At the interview with which I was honored yesterday, I took 
leave to suggest the expediency of having an Agent (unaccredited 
as he must necessarily be) to visit the Capital of Texas, and report 
to Your Lordship of the progress of Affairs there, and such Matters 
as may have an important bearing on British interests, ere the con- 

54; of Trinidad. 1854-56, and of St. Helena, 1863-69. (Stephen and Lee, 
Dictionary of National Biography.) 

'F. O., Texas, Vol. 2. William Kennedy, born 1799 and educated in Ire- 
land; early took up journalism and literature as a profession. He came 
to London in 1830, where acquaintance with The Earl of Durham resulted 
in Kennedy's accompanying the latter to Canada in 1838. On Durham's 
retirement, Kennedy traveled during 1839 in the United States and resided 
some months in Texas gathering material for a book, which was published 
in London in 1841 under the title The Rise, Progress, and Prospects of 
the Republic of Texas (2 Vols.), in which the cause of Texan independence 
of Mexico was maintained and great prosperity prophesied for the new 
state. Kennedy's subsequent career in Texas will be clearly brought out 
in the correspondence. This letter marks the beginning of a special mis- 
sion he undertook to Texas in 1841. On his return to England in 1842, 
he acted for a short time as Texan consul in London, but later in that 
year was sent to Galveston as British consul, holding this position until the 
end of the Texan Republic. Broken in health he retired on a pension, and 
from 1849 until his death in 1871 resided in Paris. (Stephen and Lee, 
Dictionary of National Biography.) 

Aberdeen succeeded Palmerston as British Foreign Secretary, August 
30. 1841. 



44 Texas State Tlistoriml Association 

sumination, of the Treaties with Texas by the Government of this 
Country. 

Those Treaties will certainly be the Subject of debate in Par- 
liament^ 

The publication of the Correspondence between Lord Palmerston 
and General Hamilton on the Slave Trade Treaty, in the Times 
Newspaper of today,^ strengthens my conviction of the expediency 
of sending a British Agent to Texas. — I cannot doubt that the 
arrival of that paper in the United States will be followed by in- 
structions to the American Charge d' Affaires in Texas to oppose 
the ratitication of the Treaty in question. 

Now, My Lord; as the Texain Congress will meet in November, 
it would be necessary, for the efficiency of an Agent, that he should 
leave England, at the latest, on the 4th of November. 

As the Service of an unaccredited Agent at such a Season of the 
year, in a New Country, would be accompanied by toil and priva- 
tion, without ostensible reward — and as I ventured to exhibit rea- 
sons in favour of the appointment — I beg to state that I shall be 
happy to undertake the duty Myself — in case Your Lordship should 
not have a more competent person in View — desiring merely the 
allowance of my reasonable expences — but relying on my efficient 
discharge of the delicate trust devolved upon Me as the basis of my 
future claims to consideration at Your Lordship's hands. 

I am not without hope that My presence as an Englishman pos- 
sessing some popularity in Texas, would be useful in counteracting 
French influence — promoting the Eatification of the Slave Trade 
Treaty, and, perhaps, in opening the way to the mitigation or 
abolition of domestic Slaver3^ 

I shall be in London on Thursday, to await the favour of Your 
Lordship's reply. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 

Etc. etc. etc. 

'See note 2, p. 30, for a list of the treaties and a statement of the 
cause of delay in ratification. 

'Also printed in British and Foreign State Papers, (1840-1841), XXIX, 
617-621. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 45 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private 31 Surrey St. Strand 

October 20th. 1841 
My Lord, 

I have been in London since the evening of Thursday last, for 
the purpose of awaiting the favor of Your Lordship's reply to my 
Communication of the 12th Inst. On Saturday next my affairs 
constrain me to return to the Country. 

Before my departure I beg to inform Your Lordship that I have 
reason to believe that General Houston, who has heretofore ap- 
peared as the leading advocate of French interests in Texas, has 
been elected President of that Eepublic. The reintroduction of 
the Franco-Texan Bill,'-^ under his Presidency, may naturally be 
expected 

A new revolution has broken out in Mexico — Military Associa- 
tions,' for the purpose of overthrowing British rule and influence 
in Xorth America, have been formed, from Maine to Missouri — 
the planters of Cuba are growing impatient of British interference 
in the Slave Trade=r:these matters — which necessarily fall under 
Your Lordship's Cognizance — may, I humbly conceive, be referred 
to in support of my opinion that the interests of this Country re- 
quire the early presence of an Agent in Texas. 

I believe there are few among the great party leaders in the 
United States who do not look to the speedy extension of the Fed- 
eral Union from Hudson's Bay to the Eio Grande and the Gulf of 
California with the Island of Cuba as an insular appendage. 

I beg to enclose to Your Lordship some remarks on the North- 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 2. 

=The Franco-Texan bill provided for the establishment of a French 
company, with authority to introduce 8,000 French colonists who were 
to settle near forts, at least twenty in number, erected and maintained 
for twenty years by the company along the northern and western frontier 
from Red River to the Rio Grande. The company was to receive for its 
services 3.000,000 acres of land, provided the colonists were introduced 
and located according to contract. Other concessions to be prranted the 
company related to the working of mines and to trade and commerce. 
(Austin City Gazette, July 21, 1841.) The bill passed the house of rep- 
resentatives of the fifth congress but was defeated in the senate. 

'The reference is to the "Hunters' Lodges" and similar organizations 
along the northern border of the United States, formed to express sym- 
pathy with and give aid to Canadian rebels in the rebellion of 1837-1839. 



46 Texas State Historical Association 

Western Boundary question, published in the Times Newspaper of 
the 9th Inst, which I wrote for the purpose of awakening attention 
to the subject of American encroachment in that quarter, being 
thoroughly convinced that, unless English influence be employed in 
raising up a stable independent power on the South-Western and 
North Western frontiers of the Union, a very few years will suffice 
to place the whole of the territory they covet under the Sovereignty 
of the United Slates. There lies the danger to the Maritime and 
Commercial supremacy of Great Britain. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 
Etc. etc. etc. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Gregory's Hotel. Arundel St. 

Haymarket. Xovr. 6th. 18-tl 
My Lord, 

When I was last in London, I submitted to Your Lordship's con- 
sideration a copy of an Act of incorporation which, in 1840, nearly 
passed the Congress of Texas — and which aimed at securing to a 
French Company commercial and territorial advantages pregnant 
with mischief to British interests both in Mexico and Texas. I 
remarked, with reference, to this Act, that its reintrodiiction into 
the Texain Legislature, during the present year, was contemplated, 
and that I had strong grounds for believing that its principal ad- 
vocate. General Houston, would, in the meantime be chosen Presi- 
dent of the Eepublic. 

It now appears, My Lord, by Texan Newspapers recently re- 
ceived, that General Houston has been elected President, and by 
such large Majorities as warrant the inference that his popularity 
has not been materially affected by his advocacy of the Franco- 
Texan Company's mischievous bill. 

It will be in Your Lordship's recollection that I volunteered my 
services, in the capacity of an unaccredited Agent, to proceed to 
Texas, in the beginning of the present Month; for the purpose of 
Watching events, and exercising whatever influence I might pos- 
sess for the benefit of my Country — I took leave especially to ad- 
vert to the subject of domestic Slavery, which the Slave holding 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 2. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 4:7 

people of the South will not even discuss except with those in whose 
fair dealing and friendly intentions they repose full confidence. 
The trust of the Texans in me, as the disinterested chronicler of 
their social rise and progress, is admitted to be considerable and, 
were I in a suitable position to give strength to my opinions, I in- 
dulge the hope that I might succeed in effecting some mitigation 
of the system, as inducing them to assent to its early abandonment. 
A leading member of the Anti-Slavery Society^ — (a body whose 
mode of operating upon Foreign States is perhaps more zealous 
than judicious) admitted, when discussing the matter with me, 
that any representations I might make were likely to have peculiar 
weight with the planters of Texas. 

It is my thorough Conviction that it is essentially the interest 
of Texas to link herself closely with England, and, as a natural 
incident of the connexion, to substitute free for compulsory labour. 
The arguments I should offer for the relinquishment of domestic 
Slavery would be based on this Conviction 

On my return from Texas in IS'39, I had some reason to look 
forward to such an Appointment in the Republic as would have 
enabled me to promote directly the general policy of England in 
that quarter. But Lord Durham who had conveyed to me in a 
manner the most gratifying to my feelings his approval of my 
Canadian Services and his desire to advance my public fortunes, 
stood aloof from the Ministry of the day, and I restricted my ap- 
plication to the Office of Consul at Galveston, as a Situation which, 
if affording fewer opportunities of active usefulness, promised to 
be more attainable by a Man whose personal pretensions derived 
but little support from Parliamentary influence, or family con- 
nexion. 

From the Considerations which are known to govern Your Lord- 
ship in the discharge of your official duties, I am encouraged to 
believe that these details will not be deemed irrelevant to the appli- 
cation which I have the honor to submit to Your Lordship, and for 
the courteous and considerate acknowledgment of which I shall 
always esteem myself Your debtor. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 

Etc. etc. etc. 

'ileanin^ the British Societv. 



48 Texas State Histoncal Association 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Gregory's Hotel, Arundel St. 

Haymarket. Novr. 9th. 1841. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to acknowledge Your Lordship's jSTote of Yes- 
terday, and, in accordance with the intimation it conveys, shall 
do myself the pleasure of waiting upon Your Lordship, at the For- 
eign Office, on Thursday next, at two o'clock. 

I have just been assured that the United States are actively in- 
triguing to effect the Annexation of Texas, and that the newly- 
elected President, General Houston, (the friend and protege of 
General Jackson) is not unfavourable to their object. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 

Etc. etc. etc. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Gregory's Hotel. Arundel St. 

Haymarket. Novr. 12th /41. 
My Lord, 

I leave town today, and shall not return previous to my Voyage, 
unless Your Lordship should entrust me with despatches for Wash- 
ington, and require my presence to receive them. In requesting 
despatches it is under the impression that the travelling expences 
of the bearer are allowed by the Government. 

In order that the safe and speedy transmission of my correspond- 
ence be secured, it will be requisite, that I should have a letter to 
the British Consul at New Orleans, instructing him to aid in for- 
warding my Communications 

May I beg the favour of such a letter addressed to me under 
cover at 3 King's Pioad Bedford Eow (London) whence it will be 
transmitted by my Agent Mr. Pringle. I shall be also glad to 
receive, through the same channel, any special instructions which 
Y'our Lordship may 1)8 pleased to give, and to learn, after the 
arrival of the Halifax Steam Ship, whether or not I shall be en- 

'F. O., Texas, Vol. 2. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 49 

trusted with despatclies, and on what day I shall be in London to 
receive them. 

I shall be rather pressed for time, in consequence of remaining 
in London for the purpose of having the interview of yesterday 
with Your Lordship. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 

Etc. etc. etc. 

P. S. 

I have taken my passage by the Halifax Steamer of the 19th. 
Inst. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Marine Villa, Hornsea, 

East Eiding of Yorkshire November 13th. 1841. 
My Lord, 

I beg respectfully to submit to Your Lordship the following 
points in reference to my contemplated Communication on the 
Affairs of Texas. 

Leaving Liverpool by Steam on the 19th. Inst. I cannot calcu- 
late on reaching the Eepublic, at this season of the Year, in less 
than five weeks. It is of importance that I should arrive at Austin, 
the Capital of Texas, before the Congress has closed its Session. 
To effect this object, I shall travel onward with all possible despatch 

So far as present circumstances enable me to form an opinion, 
I think the best course I can adopt is to draw up a short Eeport on 
the political and economic condition of Texas, and transmit it to 
Your Lordship, through the British Consul at New Orleans. Al- 
lowing me a Month or six weeks for local observation, the Eeport 
can hardly be placed in Your Lordship's hands before the close of 
next March, or the beginning of April 

In the absence of instructions to the contrary from Your Lord- 
ship, I propose to draw up a short Eeport and forward it to the 
Foreign Office through the Consul at New Orleans. 

My confidential Agent Mr. Wm. Pringle, 3 King's Eoad, Bed- 
ford Eow (London) will take care that I receive any Communica- 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 2. 



50 Texas State Ilistorical Association 

tion addressed under cover to hira previous to the day of my de- 
parture. William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 
Etc. etc. etc. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Marine Villa, Hornsea. 
j^y Lpj,^^ Est. Eidg. of York. Nov. 16th. 1841 

I have the honor to acknowledge Your Lordship's Commnnication 
of the 1 5th Inst, enclosing a letter to the British Consul at New 
Orleans. 

On the presumption that the letter to Mr. Crawford [can] only 
refer to the Subject of my request, I shall, probably delay its pres- 
entation to that gentleman until I have occasion to require his 
'services William Kennedy. 

The Earl of Aberdeen. 

Etc. etc. etc. 

ELLIOT TO ABEKDEEN- 

53 Cadogan Place. 
My Lord, Deer. 6. 1841. 

I have the honor to acknowledge Lord Palmerston's duplicate 
Despatch dated August 4, 1841, signifying my appointment as Her 
Majesty's Consul General to the Eepublic of Texas. 

With my thanks, I beg to express my readiness to proceed to my 
post when ever it may suit the convenience of Her Majestj^'s Gov- 
ernment that I should do so. But if there be no necessity for my 
immediate departure I would request Your Lordship to grant me 
leave to remain in England for one Month from this date. 

The Right Honorable. C^^^^^^ ^^l^^^' 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. etc. etc. etc. 

CANNING TO ELLIOT"' 

Dft. Capt. Elliot. F. 0. Deer. 14. 1841. 

Sir. 

I am directed by the Earl of Aberdeen to acknowledge the re- 

^F. 0.. Toxas, Vol. 2. 
'Ibid., Vol. 3. 

Ubid. Charles John Cannin.ir, Under-Socrotary of Stat? for Foreign 
Affairs, 1841-1846. 



British Correspondence Concerniny Texas 51 

ceipt of your letter of the 6 inst — expressing your readiness to pro- 
ceed to Texas as H. M's Consul General whenever it may suit the 
convenience of Her Majesty's Government that you should do so, 
but if there be no necessity for your immediate departure you re- 
quest leave to remain in England for one Month; and I am to 
state to you in reply, that Lord Aberdeen accedes to your request 
to remain in London for the time specified 

Canning. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEX^ 

Galveston. Texas. 
My Lord. Jany 10th. 1843. 

I had the honor to address a Communication to Your Lordship 
from New York on the 10th Ultmo.- which I left in the- hands of 
Mr, Chas. Edwards'^ (an Englishman occasionally employed as a 
legal adviser by Mr. Fox)* to be by him forwarded by the Acadia, 
Halifax Mail Steam Packet 

On the 28th of last Month I reached New Orleans, which I left 
on tbe oth Inst, for Galveston, where I arrived on Sunday the 9th. 
I proceed by Steam today to Houston, about eighty Miles from this 
place, and from Houston I shall go on direct to Austin, the Capital 
of the Eepublic, in the hope of arriving there before Congress 
breaks iip. My course will be through a wild Country, where 
rivers are to be crossed without the aid of bridges or boats, and 
Indians to be avoided. The rainy season has set in, and if I can 
get over thirty Miles a day I shall consider Myself fortunate. 

Writing as I do. upon the wing, I can only touch briefly and 
generally upon such Matters as have fallen under my observation. 

During my short stay in the United States I had good opportu- 
nities of ascertaining the state of Commercial and Monetary affairs 
It is deplorable — and if the lately passed Bankrupt Law goes into 
operation at the specified time (next February) the last remains of 
an unwholesome System of Credit and overtrading will be swept 
away. In New Orleans, the banks (which were chiefly created Ijy 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

-Letter not found. 

^Charles Edwards, an English lawyer in New York City, and for twenty- 
five years counsel to the British consulate at that place. (Appletoii, 
Cyclopedia of American Biography, IT, 305.) 

*Henry Stephen Fox, British Minister at Washington, D. C. 



52 Texas State Historical Association 

British Capital) are sustained in a course of virtual insolvency by 
the apprehensions of the traders and planters, who are anxious to 
procrastinate the evil day. My own experience supplies a curious 
illustration of banking management in New Orleans: When I 
reached that City, the Bank of Louisiana and one or two kindred 
establishments (capable of paying their Notes, but incapable of 
repaying the Shareholders) evinced a determination to resume 
speice payments and to discredit the Notes of such Banks as did 
not follow their example. Having a letter of credit on the Corre- 
spondent of Messers Baring & Co., I received from him a cheque 
on the Bank of Louisiana for a certain sum, the said Bank having, 
with itr- partners, in policy, agreed to defer the resumption of 
speice pnvments for some Months, to afford time for the weaker 
establishments to strengthen themselves or arrange for liquidation. 
On presenting the cheque at the Bank of Louisiana, I was not only 
unable to obtain speice — but the Notes of the Bank itself and was 
obliged to accept the Notes of the weaker institutions which had 
been to a material extent discredited by the directors of the Bank 
on which the Cheque was drawn, — I was obliged to call upon a 
friend to effect an exchange of the Notes I received for others of 
a less unstable character. 

In furnishing information, at the instance of Mr. Fox, early in 
the Spring of 1839, I expressed the opinion that the United States 
was on the Verge of bankruptcy. — The justice of that opinion is 
manifested by the existing state of the Country which, abounding 
in the Means of Material prosperity, presents a lamentable appear- 
ance of exhaustion and demoralization. Before its energies are 
recruited and confidence restored, England will, I fear, be yet a 
greater sufferer than She has been. 

The condition of the United States is both favourable and un- 
favourable for Texas, favourable, inasmuch as distress has induced 
many of the planters to emigrate to her rich lands and unfavour- 
able as it deprives her of pecuniary aid under the financial embar- 
rassment of her Government. These embarrassments are extreme — 
in fact, the local currency issued by the Government is, for circu- 
lation, useless, and almost unmarketable at any price. 

Planters and farmers with some Capital are the only Settlers 
at present suitable to Texas, the population of which, I have reason 
to believe, has been over rated. This class of persons is succeeding 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 53 

very well, notwithstanding the prostration of public credit. A bet- 
ter class of emigrants has entered Texas during the last year than 
at any preceeding period. I still consider the successful invasion 
of the Country by Mexico as tuholly impracticable — Nor am I dis- 
posed — (so far as I have recently observed) — to think that the 
Texans would seek annexation to the United States unless con- 
strained by financial exigency and inability to defray the cost of 
Government, which has been greatly augmentated by the unsettled 
state of their relations with Mexico. The President of the United 
States being a Virginian, and anxious to strengthen the Southern 
interest in Congress, is understood to be desirous of annexation. 
It is alleged in the Texan Newspapers that the question will be 
raised on the proposition to admit the Territories of Wisconsin and 
Iowa as free States into the Union, — the Southern delegation op- 
posing their admission, unless they are allowed, as an equivalent, 
to receive Texas into the Confederacy. I see, by an Austin Journal 
of a late date, that a resolution for empowering President Houston 
to treat for the Annexation of Texas to the United States has been 
submitted to the Senate. 

I beg to enclose to Your Lordship the Inaugural Message of 
President Houston, delivered at Austin on the 20th of last Month.^ 
It is a vague and uninstructive document, and its Author is charged 
with exaggerating the debt and difficulties of the Country, with a 
view to depreciate the character of the preceeding administration. 
The administrative Machinery of the Eepublic has, however, been 
worked under the most discouraging circumstances, and to me the 
marvel is how they have contrived to keep it in operation at all, in 
a thinly populated territory, unsustained by Capital, harrassed by 
border inroads and threats of invasion. Whether the continued 
pressure upon a young and struggling Country has not created, or 
may not create, a general desire to seek relief in the arms of the 
neighbouring Confederacy remains to be seen. 

Houston. Wednesday, Jany 12th. 

I arrived here this Morning from Galveston and start tomorrow 
Morning on horseback for Austin. 

The France-Texan Bill to which I invited Your Lordship's at- 

Torrect date^ December 13. 



54 Texas State JTistorical Association 

tention in London, has been again brought before Congress in a 
modified form. The nature of the modifications and the reception 
given to the Bill I have not yet learned. I believe its [sic] will 
fall to the ground. 

The Slave Trade Treaty between Great Britain and Texas re- 
mains unratified.^ Not, I am informed — from any hostility to 
its provisions, but in accordance with the wish of G-eneral Hamil- 
ton to be present at its discussion. General Hamilton who has 
been expected for some time, has not yet arrived here. It is antici- 
pated that his powers as a Commissioner to negociate a Loan, will 
be with drawn. Should Congress be in Session when I reach 
Austin, I shall inquire whether the Slave Trade Treaty may not 
be ratified at once and the necessary instrument transmitted to 
England, 

The late President Lamar, without the requisite Authority from 
the Legislature, fitted out an expedition of two hundred ?.nd eighty 
men, for the purpose of diverting the Santa Fe trade, hitherto in 
the hands of the Mexicans, to Texas. Goods was sent with the 
expedition, and it was supposed that the people of Santa Fe would 
give it a friendly reception. The expedition has however been cap- 
tured by the Mexicans, whether by force or treachery the statements 
at present made public do not enable me to say. Much excitement 
on the Subject prevails in New Orleans, where, it is said, funds 
have been subscribed and associations organized for raising Volun- 
teers against Mexico. In the meantime, this petty achievement 
seems to have awakened a war spirit among the Mexicans, and it 
is rumoured that Santa Ana is preparing to attack Texas by land 
and Sea. There is another report that he is willing to cede it as a 
Mexican Department to the United States, in liquidation of certain 
indemnity Claims. Under every aspect of its affairs, the tendency 
of Texas is towards annexation with the Mexican [American] 
Union, unless she is sustained by the friendly offices of England. 
A few years of quiet would render her prosperous and populous sup- 
plying to British EmigTants a new field for their industry, and to 
our Manufacturers a profitable Market for their goods. But she 
will require for some time a superintending eye and prudent 
Counsels. 

'8ee note 2, p. 30. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 55 

My tour in the Western Settlements will probably occupy me for 
four or five weeks. Until I return to Galveston I shall be unable 
to transmit letters to Europe. 

Eequesting Your Lordship's indulgence for the defects of a hasty 
Correspondence, and sincerely anxious to forward such information 
as may advance the interests of my Country. 

William Kennedy. 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Austin. Texas. Jany. 28th. 1S42. 
My Lord, 

I arrived at Austin on the 17th of this Month, and fortunately 
found Congress still in Session, and both the Government and the 
people well disposed to listen to my representations 

In consideration of my work in [on?] Texas, I received a vote 
of thanks from both Houses of Congress, and was invited to a Seat 
within the bar of the Senate and Chamber of Eepresentatives. 

On inquiring respecting the Slave Trade Treaty, I was informed 
that, at the Special request of General Hamilton its presentation to 
the Senate had been delayed until his arrival in Texas, where he 
has not yet appeared. Apprehending nothing but Mischief from 
another twelve Month's delay, I urged the immediate ratification 
of the Treaty upon the President and Senators, and am happy to 
say that on the 22d Inst, it passed the Senate by a unanimous vote^ 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

-While it is true that General Hamilton had requested that the senate's 
action on the treaty for the suppression of the African slave trade be de- 
layed until his arrival in Texas, the prospect of an adjournment of con- 
gress before Hamilton could arrive prompted President Houston to submit 
the treaty by message dated January 12, 1842. The president made no 
comment whatever, but referred to "the letters of General Hamilton ex- 
planatory of the objects of the Treaty." (Secret Journals of the Senate, 
Republic of Texas, 214, 215.) Kennedy arrived at Austin January 17th; 
Hamilton on January 31st. The treaty was read the first time on January 
14, and ratified on the 22d. Kennedy cannot be credited with having 
influenced the president's action in submittine the treaty to the senate; 
how much his advocacy during the interval from January 17 to 22 con- 
tributed toward the unanimous ratification of the treaty it is impossible 



56 Texas State Historical Association 

I have the honor to enclose the copy of a Note from the Presi- 
dent, which I beg respectfully to submit for Your Lordship's con- 
sideration. It strikingly indicates the financial embarrassments of 
the Government. 

The popular feeling is undoubtedly swaying strongly towards 
annexation to the United States. And if this feeling is to be 
allayed, Great Britain must interpose her Mediation with effect for 
an early Settlement of the differences between Mexico and Texas, 
To a young Country the threat of invasion is hardly less injurious 
than invasion itself. Mexico can never reconquer Texas, and the 
sooner the present dubious condition of affairs is terminated the 
better for both 

General Hamilton's popularity here is gone; his powers as a Loan 
Commissioner have been revoked and he will no longer be author- 
ized to act as a diplomatic agent of the Eepublic 

Although the Government suffers from an exhausted Treasury, 
the Settlements are extending and prospering, and such are the 
natural resources of this magnificent Country, that three years of 
peace and wise administration would suffice to relieve it from all 
its difficulties. 

At the request of General Houston (the President) I have volun- 
teered a communication to Mr. Pakenham at Mexico respecting the 
Santa Fe prisoners of whom between forty and fifty are, I under- 
stand, British Subjects. I have ascertained the names of fourteen 
(four of whom are Natives of Scotland) and have transmitted them 
to Mr. Pakenham, Avhose interposition on behalf of those prisoners 
who may be Citizens of Texas would be a grateful and opportune 
act 

Congress is to rise on Monday,^ and I shall proceed immediately 
after farther West; then return by the Coast to Galveston and 
thence to New Orleans, where I shall embark for England which 
I hope to reach in April. 

Having only received recent intimation of the departure of a 

to ascertain; that his advocacy was necessary to secure favorable action 
may well be doubted. But see Houston to Kennedy, below, page 57. 

'Mondav, January 31, 1842; congress adjourned Saturday, February 5, 
1842. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 57 

Governinent Messenger with Despatches for Galveston, I have been 
obliged to use all despatch in writing this Communication 

William Kennedy 
The Eight Honble. 

The Earl of Aberdeen. 
Etc. etc. etc. 

HOUSTON TO KENNEDY^ 

Copy. City of Austin Texas. 

28 Jany. 1842. 
My Dear Sir. 

Before your departure from this place, I must be permitted to 
make a request of you 

Should you find it within your control, you will much oblige me 
by informing the British Government of the particulars touching 
the delay, and subsequent ratification of the Treaty on the subject 
of the "Slave Trade" by this Government 

For the consummation of this business, I cannot but feel that 
the Executive is under many obligations to you for the lights 
afforded him upon this subject by yourself. Owing to the repre- 
sentations of our agent at London, had you not been here, I am 
inclined to believe, or rather I am satisfied, that it would not have 
been ratified at the present session of Congress. 

In making this request of you, I claim the right of an apology, 
on the ground that our agent at London, Gen. Hamilton, has been 
recalled under a resolution of Congress. And with a perfect knowl- 
edge of our situation you will not suppose that an agent, such as 
would be desirable for us, will be sent to England, owing to the 
condition of our finances. 

Should I not have the pleasure of meeting you again, previous 
to your departure for England, I will anticipate the happiness of 
again meeting you in Texas; as I sincerely hope Her Majesty's 
Government may think proper to send you to Texas in some rela- 
tion which may be agreeable to you, as your return will be to the 
people, and particularly to your very sincere friend 

Sam Houston. 
[Endorsed] In Mr. Kennedy's Letter of Jan 28/42 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. Enclosed in the preceding letter. 



58 Texas State Historirnl Association 

IIAMILTOX TO ABERDEf:N^ 

(Duplicate) Galveston Texas. Feby. 20th. 1843 

]\ly Lord, 

I desire to revoke the recommendation which I made in behalf 
of Mr. Kennedy, for the Consulate of Her B. M. at Galveston, 
Texas, as I deem that individual as utterly unworthy of Your Lord- 
ship's confidence. 

I have transmitted Mr. Kennedy a Copy of this letter. 

J. Hamilton. 
The Eight Hon. Lord Aberdeen. 

Her Majesty's P. Sec. of Foreign Affairs. 

HAMILTON TO KEXXEDY" 

(Copy) New Orleans, March 4th. 1842 

Sir, 

I beg leave to enclose you a letter^ I addressed to Lord Aberdeen, 
which not following the course you pursued towards myself 
at Austin, I think it both frank and honourable to communicate 
to yourself. 

Gen Johnson will receive any Communication you may have for 
me. I beg leave to inform you that you will find me on your way 
through the States to [at ?] Charleston until the 1st. July — In this 
as in all other Cases responsible for my own acts and seeking 
neither shelter or concealment 

J. Hamilton 
Wm. Kennedy, Esq. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* 

New Orleans, March 8th. 1842 
My Lord, 

I arrived here yesterday from Galveston in Texas, and ha\dng 
just learned that letters are about to be forwarded by the Solway, 
West India Mail Steamer, I hasten to apprize Your Lordship that 

^F. 0., Texas. Vol. 3. 

-Ibid. 

'See preceding letter, Hamilton to Aberdeen, February 20, 1842. 

*F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



British Correspondence. Concerning Texas 59 

I intend proceeding direct for England in a day or two, and on 
my arrival in London shall be happy to submit to Your Lordship 
information which I have obtained during my recent visit to the 
neigi.uouring Republic 

William Kennedy. 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, etc. etc. etc. 

HAMILTON TO -ABERDEEN^ 

(Private and Confidential). 

Per Halifax Steamer. Charleston, March 25th. 1843 

My Dear Lord, 

I enclose You duplicates of a dispatch addressed you from New 
Orleans by the Eoyal Mail "West India Steamer, for fear of the 
apparent irregularity which seems to attend that mode of convey- 
ance 

Mr. Kennedy has behaved with such perfidy and ingratitude 
towards myself that I am convinced he is totally destitute of all 
principle. 

He reached Texas before me, and finding from the Jealousy of 
the present President of Texas, G-en. Houston to myself, (lest I 
should supplant him in influence with the people of Texas) that he 
would obtain favour by joining in the current of prejudice which 
thro' the instrumentality of the President was running against me, 
and strange to say (he an Englishman and I a Slave Holder) one 
of the grounds of his assault was, that I was confederating with 
an association at Exeter HalP to abolish slavery in Texas. 

His flattery of President Houston (who to say the best of him, 
is one of the least respectable persons in Texas) has secured to 
him a large Empesari or Grant of Land,^ and the understanding 
that Mr. Kennedy is to write Gen. Houston's Life, has perhaps 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

^A building on the Strand, London, used for religious and charitable 
assemblies, and long the customary meeting place of the British Anti- 
Slavery Society. 

'William Kennedy, William Pringle, and associates obtained a contract 
to introduce 600 families. A number of contracts similar to this one 
were made about this time. 



60 Texas State Historical Association 

been equally influential in procuring for him the Consul General- 
ship to Great Britain.^ 

In relation to this last Appointment Your Lordship must allow 
me to make a remark or two. In the first place the Appointment 
is unknown to the Laws of Texas, hut this of course is not a ques- 
tion for Her Majesty's Govt., if President Houston, thinks proper 
to be guilty of an act without the authority of Law. But there 
is one ground upon which I think Her Majesty's Govt, might deny 
him an Exequatur, and that is, his assertion that by not appoint- 
ing him to the Consulate at Galveston,^ you have been guilty of 
an implied breach of faith and injustice. — If you think proper to 
take this ground you are quite at liberty to give me as your author- 
ity. He not only said this to me, but to other Gentlemen of 
respectability. 

Lord Palmerston will give you some items of intelligence respect- 
ing Kennedy, which will let you not the less understandingly into 
his character. If you were to refuse to recognise him as Consul 
Genl. you would gratify a great many of the most influential and 
respectable of the people of Texas, who have regarded his ingrati- 
tude to me and sycophency to Houston with unspeakable disgust. 

He will undoubtedly lay claim to having done many things of 
inestimatable value to Her Majesty's Govt., in Texas. His acts 
of value were to himself, if they turn out such ? — to evil in defeat- 
ing a measure for the Sale of the Public Lands on Government 
account^ and getting grants for a French Company* and himself — 
by which I am sure not a few Air-bubbles will be blown, to take in 
the unwary. 

The Treaties will go over for Exchange by the next Steamer, 
about which I trust there will be no difficulty. 

I shall be in London in July ready to offer to your Govt. — a 
Contract for Live Oak, in conformity with the advices, I gave 
Your Lordship last Autumn, and about which I shall write Sir 

^Kennedy was nominated Texan consul-general in London and was con- 
firmed by the senate February 3. 1842. 

^Kennedy was tendered the British consulate at Galveston in June, 
1842. 

*For the details of this plan, see Secret Journals of the Senate, Republic 
of Texas, 221-224. 

*Henri Castro obtained a contract to introduce 600 colonists on the 
same date that Kennedy concluded his contract. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 61 

Eobt. Peel, by this opportunity, with whom I shall be gratified if 
Your Lordship will confer and lend your co-operation. 

You will have seen Santa Anna's Letter^ to myself — which has 
since been confirmed by an actual invasion of the Country by Genl, 
Aristo^ at the head of 14,000 Men. I have no doubt Aristo will 
be crushed before he reaches the Colorado. If he is not I shall 
claim my privileges of citizenship in Texas, and strike as hard and 
as heavy as I can 

The Star of Empire will travel West, and no Man can tell 
where we shall stop 

Nothing can exceed the infatuation of this people, apparently 
doomed, or the Union and enthusiasm of the People of Texas — In 
any event be assured we will take care of English interest. 

J. Hamilton 
The Eight Hon. the Earl of Aberdeen 

Her B. M. P. S. for Foreign Affairs. 

P. S. If the Eepublic of Texas had passed the Act providing 
for the international Guarantee of its Loan,^ I should have offered 
the Commercial privileges to G. Britain or Belgium, which ever 
Govt, would have accepted them. But President Houston found it, 
a cheaper policy to recommend repudiation, than to Contract a 
new Loan 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* 

Private. On board the Eoseins, 

Liverpool. April 20th. 1842. 
My Lord, 

I take the earliest Moment of informing Your Lordship of my 
arrival in the port of Liverpool, by the packet ship Eoseins, from 

^Presumably this refers to Hamilton's letter to Santa Anna, offering 
an indemnity of $5,000,000 to be paid by Texas in consideration of her 
recognition of independence by Mexico. Santa Anna's reply declared that 
an immediate reconquest of Texas was to be undertaken. (Niles' Reg- 
ister, LXII, 50.) 

^Arista. A force of 500 men under General Vasquez penetrated Texas 
as far as San Antonio, but after two days retreated quite as precipitately 
as it had come. 

^General Hamilton's reference is to a project of a commercial legisla- 
tive compact between Belgium and the Republic of Texas. (Secret Jour- 
nals of the Senate, Republic of Texas, 'Z-i'i, 223. 

*F. 0., Mexico, Vol. 158, 



62 Tr.vas State Jlistorical Association 

New York. In a day or two, — after the arrangement of some 
private affairs — I shall be in London, and wait npon Your Lord- 
ship's leisure for an interview. 

Since my departure from Enoland, in November last, I have 
addressed four Communications to Your Lordship, from the fol- 
lowing places in succession — New York — Houston (Texas), Austin 
(Texas) and New Orleans. The letter from Austin announced 
the Katification of the Slave Trade Convention by the Senate of 
Texas, and enclosed the copy of a Note upon the subject, addressed 
to me by the President, General Houston 

In reference to my Communication from New York, I beg to 
state that no Belgian Loan Commissioner, visited Texas during 
my sojourn there; but Captain Pirson (late Secty of Legation at 
Constantinople) arrived on a Mission of inquiry into the condition 
and resources of the Eepublic, and prosecuted his researches with 
great assiduity.^ I left ]\L Pirson at Galveston and the bearer 
of despatches from him to M. van de Weger (Belgian Minister in 
London) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs at Brussels. 

There is reason to believe that the story of the Belgian "Loan 
Commissioner" originated with General Hamilton, who may have 
deemed such a report not unfavourable to his financial operations 
and his friendly reception in Texas. If this were the calculation. 
General Hamilton must have been signally disappointed 

I intimated to Your Lordship that a formal resolution for the 
Annexation of Texas to the United States had been submitted to 
the Texan Senate, during the late Session of Congress. This reso- 
lution was permitted to drop, at the suggestion of the Secty of 
State, who correctly stated that all action on the Matter must com- 
mence with the Executive ; — the Confirmation of whose policy must 
rest with the people, in a Convention of the whole 

I do not think I arrogate too much to myself in saying that the 
Confidence reposed in me by the Government and people of Texas 
materially contributed to allay the excitement in favour of imme- 
diate annexation to the United States, which prevailed at the period 

-In 1841, Hamilton had asked Belgium to guarantee a Texan loan for 
$7,000,000, in return for which Belgian imports to Texas were to be 
favored by discriminating duties. Pirson was sent to Texas to investi- 
gate, and was there regarded and addressed as "Belgian Commissioner." 
(Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 946. 
1528, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, IOCS, II.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Te.ras 63 

of ray arrival in the Country. I obtained, at all events, a suspen- 
sion of the question until the dispositions of Great Britain could 
be known. The position of that question is now materially altered 
by the Mexican invasion. Unacquainted, as I am, with the views 
of Her Majesty's Government, and the information in their pos- 
session, I am reluctant to hazard an opinion as to the probable 
result of the invasion, but I gi-eatly fear that it will eventually 
prove as injurious to English interests, as it will be temporily detri- 
mental to Texas, and permanently injurious to Mexico. A few 
Months will determine every thing. Affairs are complicated and 
the times critical. 

William Kennedy. 
The Eight Honorable. 

Tlie Earl of Aberdeen, etc. etc. etc. 

ADDIXGTON TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. May 24. 1843. 

Capt. Chas. Elliott. E. N. 

Sir. 

I am directed by the Earl of Aberdeen to acquaint you that his 
Lordship wishes you to proceed to Texas with as little delay as 
possible. Your Commission and Instructions are ready to be de- 
livered to you at this Office. 

H. U. Addington 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. May 27. 1842. 

Captain Elliot. 
Texas Xo. 1. 

Sir, 

With reference to a Letter from this Department dated the 
4th of August last, acquainting you that The Queen had been 
graciously pleased to appoint you to be H. M's Consul General to 
the Eepublick of Texas, I enclose to you herewith Her Majesty's 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. Henry Unwin Addington (1790-1870), perma- 
nent under-secretary for foreign affairs. (Stephen, Dictionary of Na- 
tional Biography.) 

-F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



64 Texas State llistoncal Association 

Commission to that Effect, and I have to desire you to proceed 
to your Post with all convenient Speed. 

You will lose no time in making yourself conversant with the 
details of the Consular Service and with the Nature and extent 
of your Duties as pointed out in the General Instructions of 
H. M's Consuls, of which a Copy is herewith inclosed, and which 
contain full Instructions for the guidance of your Official con- 
duct on all ordinary occasions. 

I also inclose Copies of Circular Dispatches dated 30th Septr. 
1833, and 1st Octr. 1836; and I have to call your particular atten- 
tion to the directions contained in those Dispatches, enjoining a 
careful preservation of the Archives of the Consulate. 

You will be punctual in forwarding to this Dept. tne Returns 
required by the general Instructions, and it will be your Duty to 
avail yourself of every favourable opportunity for collecting and 
transmitting to me any further useful or interesting Information, 
relating to Commerce, Navigation and Agriculture, and to any 
other Branch of Statisticts. 

Your Salary has been fixed at £1£00 a year, and will commence 
ten days before the day of your departure from England; and 
you are to consider yourself restricted from engaging in Mercan- 
tile Pursuits 

Aberdeen. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. May 37. 1842 

Captain Elliot 
Texas. No. 2. 

Sir, 

I think it right to call your attention to that Clause in your 
commission which empowers you to appoint Vice Consuls at those 
Ports and Places where the Interests of H. M's Service may 
appear to require them, and to explain to you that you are not 
to consider yourself authorized by that clause to appoint Vice 
Consuls without the previous Sanction of this Department, and I 
have to refer you upon this Subject to the 27th Paragraph of the 
General Instructions 

Aberdeen. 

'F. O., Texas, Vol. 3. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas '55 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Dft. F. 0. May 31st. 1842 

Captain Elliot. E. N. 
Texas. Ko. 3. 

Sir, 

In addition to Her Majesty's Commission and to the Consular 
Instructions with which you are furnished in my Dispatch No. 1, 
I enclose to you a Letter which I have addressed to the Secretary 
of the Eepublic of Texas,- requesting that every facility may be 
afforded to you by that Government in entering upon and fulfill- 
ing the Duties of your Situation. 

You will deliver this Letter upon your arrival at the Seat of 
Government in Texas. 

You will make it your duty to collect and transmit to me Infor- 
mation upon all matters of political Interest and importance in the 
Republic of Texas 

Aberdeen. 
P. S. 

I enclose to you a Copy of my letter to the Secretary of State 
of the Eepublic of Texas. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Dft. F. 0. May 31st. 1842. 

Capt. Elliot. E. N". 
Texas. No. 4. 

Sir. 

I have informed H. M's Ministers at Washington and at Mexico 
of your appointment as H. M's Consul General in Texas, and I 
have instructed Mr. Fox and Mr. Pakenham to communicate with 
you upon all matters which may tend to promote the Interests of 
H. M's Subjects in those Countries. And I have also to instruct 
you to keep up a constant and unreserved Communication with 
Mr. Fox and Mr. Pakenham. 

Aberdeen. 
^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

=See Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 
969, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 
'F. O., Texas, Vol. 3. 



66 Texas Slate Tlistoncal A/^soci/dion 

KENNEDY TO AlJEBDEEN^ 

Monday, [June 3, 1842] 1/2 past 3. P. M. 
My Lord. 

This idea has occurred to me since I liad the honor of convers- 
ing with Yonr Lordship. 

It appears to me that a Suspension of the blockade^ (should 
such a Step he deemed expedient) might reasonably be conceded 
by the Government of Texas until Great Britain has acted upon 
that Convention in which She agrees to Mediate between Mexico 
and Texas. By suspending the blockade, time would be given for 
reconsidering the propriety of following up that Step, Of the 
disposition of the Government of Texas and the representative in 
this Country to meet any Suggestion of Her Majesty's Government 
in the very best spirit, I do not entertain the shadow of a doubt. 

I content myself with vaguely indicating the idea for Your 
Lordship's consideration. Perhaps an early meeting between Mr. 
Smith^ and Your Lordship will be desirable. 

„ , „ , , -, William Kennedy 

The Earl of Aberdeen -^ 

[Endorsed] June 3. 1842. 

KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^ 

Waiting Eoom. Forgn. Office 
Tuesday June 7th. [1842.] 

In accordance with instructions from Lord Aberdeen I beg to 
request the favor of an interview in reference to my Appointment 
to the Consulship at Galveston in Texas. 

If you cannot command leisure today, will you be so good as to 

name a time when it will be convenient for you to grant me an 

interview. 

-r... n -n, William Kennedy 

John Bidwell, Esqr. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

-On March 26. 1842. President Houston liad declared a blockade of Mex- 
ican ports on the eastern coast. 

^Ashbel Smith, Texan chargg d'affaires in England, appointed in March, 
1842. 

*F. O., Texas, Vol. 3. John Bidwell, a permanent under official of the 
Foreign Office. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 67 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Gregory's Hotel. 

Arundel St. Haymarket, June 8th. /42. 

In accordance with Your Lordship's suggestion, I had yesterday 
some conversation with Mr. Bidwell in reference to the Galveston 
Consulate. 

When the Salary was fixed at £400, the Department, it appears 
from Mr. Bidwell, had no definite grounds to go upon. That 
gentleman has therefore recommended that I, being acquainted 
Avith Texas from personal experience, should submit a statement 
of facts for Your Lordship's consideration. 

A residence in Texas will be expensive on two leading grounds — 
first, the newness of the Country — second, the existence of Slavery. 
The former will entail the expense of buying the Site of a house 
and bringing the house itself either direct from England, or from 
the United States. The latter must greatly increase the outlay 
on household servants, British Consuls being, very properly, pro- 
hibited from availing themselves of Slave labour. 

The outlay on suitable buildings, taking wood as the Material, 
cannot on the most moderate estimate, be set down at less than 
£500 — Galveston is a sandy island, destitute of building Materials. 

Male servants cannot, I think, be had at less rate of wages than 
£50 a year, female servants about £30. 

The style of living at Galveston among the more influential 
classes, will attain the usual expensive scale of the South, as the 
planters increase in wealth, and nmy be expected soon to reach the 
level of Xew Orleans, the Consul at which port complains of his 
inadequate income, although his Salary is £500 and his fees, I 
have understood an equal amount. 

Mr. Bidwell concurs with me in thinking that the privilege of 
trading will be of little, if any, practical value to me at Galveston. 
There are always established British Merchants there, of large 
capital.— With one of these Mr. Power — (connected with the house 
of McCalmont Brothers & Co. of London and Liverpool) I was a 
guest for some days, and I Avas informed that the allowance to the 
clerks was £300 a year each 

Your Lordship was so kind as to say that you would consider 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



68 Texas State TJiatorical Association 

the propriety of raising the Salar)^ to £500 a year. Even with 
this augmentation, I am quite satisfied that, for the first three or 
four years, a Consul who should maintain independence and the 
decency of appearance due to his office must draw upon his per- 
sonal resources for part of his expenditure. Texas will undoubt- 
edly command an extensive trade, but some time must elapse ere 
the trade of Galveston can produce any considerable return of 
Consular fees. And I may remark that it, being the principal 
port of the Eepublic, the agent of the British Government resi- 
dent there will be much more frequently called upon to exercise 
the rites of hospitality to his Countrymen than the officer charged 
with diplomatic functions and residing at the seat of Government 

I am sorry to trouble Your Lordship with these details, but, as 
you good naturedly observed, the subject is necessarily of some 
importance to me. Perhaps, also, my case may be fairly consid- 
ered to embrace peculiar claims to consideration, as I have devoted 
both time and money to acquiring a thorough knowledge of Texan 
affairs, and my services as a Municipal Commissioner in Canada, 
although perfectly satisfactory to the Government of the day, 
entailed upon me some pecuniary loss without securing any coun- 
tervailing advantage. 

I am desirous of serving in Texas because, from the informa- 
tion I possess, and the favourable opinion entertained of me by 
the Government and people of that Country, I am encouraged to 
hope that I may execute the duties assigned me with benefit to 
British interests and credit to myself. And I believe I should not 
greatly err in saying — that Her Majesty's Government, in assign- 
ing me a liberal provision for the maintenance of Consular rank, 
would incur no risk of Parliamentary or public censure 

Perfectly and gratefully relying on Your Lordship's favourable 
dispositions, I have endeavoured on the matter in question to sat- 
isfy your sense of right 

William Kennedy 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 69 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Gregory's Hotel. 
Arundel St. Haymarket June 15th /43 
My Lord, 

I have received a Communication from a trustworthy source, 
dated Galveston, Texas, May 17th in which I am informed that 
General Houston was about to proceed to the South Western 
frontier of the Eepublic, to take the Command of the Army, and 
that all was "in readiness for the invasion of Mexico". My cor- 
respondent — an Englishman — had, he intimates, forwarded to me 
a packet containing "much important information". This packet 
has not yet reached me. 

The most strenuous endeavours have been made by the United 
States newspapers — more especially those in the interest of Mr. 
C\&j — to create and fix the impression that Mexico was secretly 
prompted by England in her persevering hostility to Texas. The 
party favourable to "Annexation" use every available means to 
stimulate Texas into acts of aggression, under the anticipation 
that, borne doAvn by the charges of war, she will have no alter- 
native but to incorporate herself with the Northern Federation. 
No falsehood is too rampant to serve the purpose of the hour. 

The non-completion- of the Treaties between Great Britain and 
Texas gives a colour to these representations, and strips the act of 
part of its grace as regards the Country claiming recognition and 
alliance. It would be very unfortunate if, after adjusting differ- 
ences of the North Eastern frontier of the United States,^ new 
sources of difficulty should be opened in the South West. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

^Eatifications of the three treaties were finally exchanged on June 28, 
1842. 

'This refers to the Webster-Ashhurton negotiation then in progress, 
which resulted in the signing on August 9, 1842, of the Treaty of Wash- 
ington. It was generally understood that Aberdeen hoped by this negoti- 
ation to remove all causes of diflference with the United States. 



70 Texas State Hidnrical Associatioji 

POWER TO PEEL^ 

(Duplicate) Galveston. Texas. 20 June 1S42 

Sir Eobert Peel etc. 

Sir, 

Although I have not the honor of personally being known to 
you, I presume from my family connections at Tamworth and in 
Warwickshire with whom you are acquainted to address you. 

In 1840 I came out to this Country to form a Commercial 
house, and establish a trade between this Country and England 
and up to the present time have succeeded to my utmost wishes, 
finding the exports from hence very much more on the increase 
than I had at first anticipated I have gone into large oper- 
ations here and viewing with some alarm the position I hold in 
this Country at the present moment on the eve of a war in all 
probability with Mexico, and this too without a British Agent or 
Consul to protect my, and other subjects property, I am induced 
to hope that my letter may through you, in some way find itself 
in the hands of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with the hope 
that some one may be sent out, to protect us from the certain 
destruction of our property should we be left entirely to the Mercy 
of the Mexicans. 

The Commercial relations with Texas are now beginning to 
develope themselves and in proof of it, I may mention that in 
Feby. 18-iO I could hardly load one of my Vessels here with Cotton 
whereas in 41 and 42 I have sent home some 14000 Bales. 

The growth of this article as well as emigration from the 
Southern parts of United States is so much on the increase that 
I confidently state that in 10 years we shall export as much Cotton 
as Alabama now does, which is now from 4 to 500,000 Bales. 

In the present state of matters politically I would suggest that 
it would tend much to British Interests could some arrangement 
be made to adjust if possible the difficulties between this Country 
and Mexico, and so raise up a Country which will afford our 
British Manufactures a considerable market for her products as 
well as the raw material without being so dependent on the United 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 5. See reference to Mr. Power in Kennedy's letter 
to Aberdeen, June 8, 1842. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 71 

States; whereas if something is not done I much fear from the 
financial state of matters here, that Texas may be lost to British 
enterprize and at last become annexed to the United States: 
Strong efforts to that end are even now making and the States 
to the South are more than desirous for this step, as well as the 
greater portion of the people here, from the conviction that with, 
the distress we are lav[b]ouring under, that resources cannot be 
had to cope with energy against Mexico. Had we those means 
there can be no doubt of the result, but without them an effectual 
defence cannot be prolonged. 

I do not go into particulars relative to the polotics of this Coun- 
trv, not wishing to encroach too much upon your time, but beg 
to reitereate the solicitous wish of myself and that of the British 
subjects resident in this Country that some Consul come among 
us, to protect us and otherwise give such views to the Govt, as 
may induce them to give a more decided tone to the interests of 
the Eepublic as well as foster a rising Country — that by judicious 
management may be made a barrier to the encroachments of the 
United States 

Apologizing for the liberty I have taken I am 

Charles Power. 

Galveston 7th July 1842. 

I beg to enclose you a letter which has been sent by me to Mr. 
de Saligny the French Minister here in consequence of an appli- 
cation he made to me. 

If it will afford H. M. Govt, at home any benefit I shall be 
happy to communicate with them from time to time upon any 
head on which they may desire information about this new 
Country. I am. Sir, 

Charles Power 
Et. Honble. Sir Eobert Peel, Bart. 
Treasury. London. 

[Endorsed] No. 1. In Sir E. Peel's Note of Aug. 15, 1843. 



72 Tpxas State Jfistorical Assorwtion 

POWER TO SALIGNY^ 

[Enclosure.] 

Galveston 20th Jnne 1842. 
Monsieur Le Comte de Saligny. 

Yon have requested that I would give you so far as I could 
any views about the Commerce of this Country as well as its posi- 
tion embarrassed as it now is, and as you are about going to 
Europe T do so in the hope that thro' your influence you may be 
able in a proper channel to represent the state of Texas as to its 
present resources, what it is destined some day to be, if aid can 
be afforded her now as an exporting as well as consuming Country 
of the Manufactures of both France and England. 

In allusion to the exports even now in their infancy I would 
simply refer you back to my own conmienoement, here in 1840 
and contrast the present increase in the growth of Cotton in the 
two Years, if such increase takes place as I will endeavour to 
shew you by a small table I have prepared, pending the uncertainty 
of our independence, what must be the result of 10 Years of peace 
and acknowledgment of that position which is so much to be de- 
sired by us here as Aliens, as well as by the Govts, of France and 
England could the matter be shewn to them in a proper light, by 
some party competent and on whose veracity could be relied upon 
and those Govts, take upon themselves the adjustment of the diffi- 
culty now existing with Mexico. 

Another matter too cannot have escaped your notice and anxiety 
as regards the future prospects of this Country should the con- 
flict with Mexico be prolonged, which is the certain annexation of 
Texas by the United States — it is even now desired by the 
Majority both of that and tliis Country and should by every scheme 
possible be thwarted; an annexation would completely put a stop 
to the introduction of European goods except in the finer fabrics 
and would in time lead on to a constant state of quarrel on the 
frontier, and ultimately to the March of the Anglo-Saxon race to 
the conquest of the South American Continent. 

You know enough of the composition of the people to know and 
feel that the European Govts, ought not to allow the race to travel 

'P. 0., Texas, Vol. 5. 



i 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 73 

beyond its present limit, for travel they will with their energy 
and the sooner some arrangement of Mediation for this Country, 
with a guarantee of those powers United States, France, and Eng- 
land, in mediating a peace with Mexico the better, by this 
means the onward march may be arrested some 50 or 60 years and 
a good and lucrative trade carried on by them in the introduction 
of their manufactures: Every day is bringing the U. States in 
competition with us in manufactures of every description, and 
latterly the improvement is astonishing. The possession then of 
this Market, would afford them an increased stimulus to the export 
of their products and drive us completely out of Market. Too 
much attention cannot be given to this point unless our Govt, are 
really blind to their own interests and they must be made to see 
if possible that it is necessary to adopt some course which will at 
least for some time give us an outlet for our manufactures. 

Let the United States on[ce] possess this Country and where 
is She to stop, 10 years will prove it to us in Europe, whereas 
10 years hence by a determination that Mexico should recognize 
that [then ?] you have a Country exporting as much Cotton as 
Alabama noAv does or nearly h the amount of American cottons 
which are consumed in England. 

There never was so fine an opportunity for Govts, at home shew- 
ing their philantrophy and nurturing this new Country the 
crisis which every one is suffering from in the United States, high 
prices of lands comparative uncertainty of Crops when compared 
to this as well as present low prices, will all conspire to force 
emigration to Texas, so soon as personal property can be guar- 
anteed 

It must be remembered that jSTorth Alabama, Georgia, Ten- 
nessee and Carolina are all Cotton Countrys, but produce on an 
average about 3 Bales to the hand, this quantity when prices 
were high renumerated the growers, but at the present rates they 
cannot make both ends meet, here you will find the averages 
about 7 Bales. I have known 10 but seven will be within the mark, 
the staple a penny per lb. better and no more expense to convey 
to market when once the trade is open, but a decidedly less capital 
required to bring the article to maturity. Here lands are worth 
from one dollar to five per acre, there from twenty to forty, and 



74 Texas State Historical Association 

at the same time there is no one thing tliat is produced there, that 
we cannot do here. 

I need not call your attention to the market, situated as Texas 
is for the supply of goods for both Mexico and the U. States, the 
higli tariff in both these countries will always be a temptation to 
contraband introduction, and could a judicious system be organ- 
ized and a peace established, here a free entry on such goods might 
be made and a lucrative and heavy trade carried on. Wliat is to 
prevent the Trader from taking goods to Eed River and tlience 
scattering them over the Western States, the expences of trans- 
port when once the matter was organized would not be more than 
3% or 4% on the value of goods and even now the distance with 
a loaded Waggon can be performed in 12 days. 

I will instance the article of Cloth which pay now a duty in 
the States of from 32% to 40% not bulky for its value, in which 
alone a considerable trade could be carried on, and must to any 
one having the least fore sight be suflficiently obvious.— As to 
Mexico the matter is so notorious and tariff so high as admit on 
every article an infringement 

The great supply of goods consumed at present in Texas is from 
the United States tho' even the major part of these are French 
and English which have paid duty in the States, the coarser 
fabrics being produced cheaper there. The amount altogether I 
estimate at about 3 Millions of dollars since 1840 up to this time 
say 2 Years^ 

From England and France direct not more than 100,000 ff. 

You must be aware that with Eed River Countries [Counties] 
a great part of the Cottons go to New Orleans and are not bonded 
and considered Texas Cotton, when they are so strictly speaking, 
but are entered as Louisiana; in the same way goods are intro- 
duced and no benefit accrues in any way to the Govt, here and 
against the exports above mentioned I cannot take these ex- 
ports to shew how the balance of trade exists — because no benefit 
accrues to this Country from the duties 

I should nevertheless think that taking all the exports of Texas 
Cotton and Hides, that She only meets the imports about two- 

'The total imports by Texas for the year ending September 1, 1840, 
were $1,378,568.98. (Gouge, Fiscal History of Texas, 128.) 



British Corr'>spondcnce Concerning Texas 75 

fifths at most leaving a heavy balance against her which will be 
reduced in 5 j^ears in a similar way to a calculation of compound 
interest, for every new Country will have on first Settlement a 
strong current against her of this sort but which is very much 
reduced yearly. 

I have considered that it will perhaps be as well to give You 
some idea of the Cotton growing region of this Country including 
Brazoria, Washington, Ward^ and Matagorda Counties as well as 
the lands upon Caney and Bernard. The quality of all these 
lands are superior to any that are known in the U. tStates and 
consist of Alluvial black Moulds, except on Caney and the upper 
part of Ward and Matagorda which are mulatto of a very strong 
and rich nature and more suitable to Cotton in my opinion from 
their not suifering so much from the drought which almost always 
happens in the lower Country, as well as producing a silky and 
long staple of cotton and with care and the same attention to 
cleaning would obtain the highest market rates in either Europe 
or New Orleans, indeed by a reference to the quality of the 
staple grown in the Western part of Texas it will be seen that 
Cottons here are decidedly superior to the general run of Ameri- 
can Cottons and are equal to them except the Eed River and 
Louisiana. 

The value of these lands vary from 3 to 5 dollars the acre in 
the present hard times, but sales have been made at much higher 
and lower prices, the quantity grown to the hand varies according 
to the industry of the Planter, as an average each Slave on a 
plantation will cultivate 10 or 12 Acres, and the produce is about 
1500 to 2000 lbs. in Cotton seed or about 300 to 400 lbs. of Gin'd 
Cotton pr. acre. 

The Brazos has the preference among Planters from the Stream 
being navigable for about 60 miles, beyond this except in wet 
seasons when the Eiver rises 20 or 30 feet, no certain communi- 
cation can be had in consequence of the Shoals, the first that 
you meet with is between Bolivar and Richmond across which I 
can 10 months in the vear wade over. You have heard I have 



^The judicial county of Ward was created from Matagorda and Colo- 
rado counties by act of January 19, 1841. This act was later held uncon- 
stitutional. Its territory was entirely distinct from that of the present 
county of Ward. 



76 Texas State Historical Association 

no doubt that this river is navigable to Washington. I have seen 
for Myself and withoiit fear of contradiction say that up to Boli- 
vai- and no farther can a boat go except under the influence of 
the rise I before spoke of. The Bernard in the same way is nav- 
igable about 30 miles and dwindles away in 50 miles to a miser- 
able swamp. 

The Colorado in the same way presents many obstacles the first 
and greatest is the Eaft which obstructs the mouth for about 2 
miles but will ere long be removed, a Keel Boat now ascends 
to near Bastrop and the water varies from 10 feet to 14 inches 

Every Stream in Texas unfortunately wants water to render 
them navigable. I believe that the Trinity that emptys into Gal- 
veston Bay will one day become the best river from the fact not 
generally known that that Eiver heads within 5 miles of Red River 
which is about 10 feet higher than the Trinity and by cutting a 
Canal of about 15 Miles you could have a constant volumn of 
water that would render that stream navigable as well as throw 
the whole trade of Fannin, Bowie, Harrison and Red River Coun- 
ties in this Bay, and which now goes to New Orleans thro' Nachi- 
toches, of these upper counties I myself have no practical 
knowledge, what little I have learned is from Judge Mills who I 
think may be relied upon as being disinterested and who at the 
same time has been a resident in that Section of the Country for 
some time 

They are all in the same parallel of latitude and their produc- 
tions alike — Cotton, Corn, Wheat, Rye and Flax grow well. Set- 
tlers from Illinois report that for wheat and Flax they desire no 
better land and that the average of the former crop is about 25 
Bushels to the acre a good average I should consider. 

The Red River is navigable 1600 miles from the Mississipi to 
the junction of the Kiamiska and one hundred and fifty miles by 
land above the point where the boundary lies [line?] between the 
U. States and Texas strikes the River. 

The quality of the lands upon this River are similar to those 
on the Mississipi and Brazos and are alluvial. The Prairie black 
rich mould and capable of producing almost any production. All 
the upper Country is much better wooded than on the Gulf side 
of the Republic and among its products is a wood called Bowdark 
or Bois d'Arc which is reported to have the same qualities of the 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 77 

Campeachy Fustic, as well as being capable of hedging in a sim- 
ilar manner to the Black Thorn of our own Country. 

The crop of Cotton this year may be calculated as follows and 
may be relied upon. 

1841 and 42. 

The Counties Harrison 2000, Fannin 700, Bowie 4000, Eed 

River 3000, Lamar 2000— in all 11,700 

Brazoria and Washington — Bernard 7,500 

Matagorda, Ward, and Caney 3,000 

Sabine — St. Augustine and Nacogdoches 5,500 

Montgomery — Fort Bend — Eichmond 7,000 

Trinity, Harris, Houston, Chocolate 3,000 



37,700 
Each Bag will average 450 lbs. 

In 1840 and 41 

Eed Eiver Counties 5,000 

Nacogdoches, St. Augustine etc 2,500 

Brazoria, Washington 5,400 

Matagorda and Ward 1,300 

Trinity 500 

Sabine 1,000 



19,200^ 
1839 and 40. 

The returns of the Custom House shew about 5,600 Bales but 
I believe that the amount was greater and will be about 10,000 
Bales. 

I calculated from what I have seen and my knowledge of the 
Country together with the increased planting and acquisition of 
forces that the year of 1842 will yeild a crop of about ".0% over 
the returns of last year or about 50, or 60,000 Bags. — 1 shall now 
conclude and beg to reiterate that if at any time I can give you 

^The addition is incorrect; the correct total is 15,700. 



78 Texas State Historical Association 

any information that will be of use to you or your Govt. I shall 
be most happy. — And Believe me^ 

[Endorsed.] Copy of a letter addressed to Monsieur de Sa- 
ligny. French Charge d'Affaires. No. 2. In Sir E. Peel's Note 
of Aug 15. 1842. 

ADDINGTON TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. June 28. 1842. 

Capt. Elliot. 

Texas. Consular No. 6. 

Sir, 

I am directed by the Earl of Aberdeen to acquaint you that in 
consequence of the Diplomatick Character with which you have 
been invested by His Lordship's Despatch Nos. 1 — of this day's 
date, it will be expedient that you should separate your Diplo- 
matick from your Consular Despatches, by affixing a distinct set 
of Numbers to each, and you will affix to your Despatches on 
Consular Subjects the word ''Consular" in the same manner as 
that word is prefixed to the number of this Despatch.^ 

You will understand that the only Despatches which should be 
marked and numbered in your Consular Series, should be such as 
relate solely to the subjects specially treated of in the General 
Consular Instructions 

H. U. Addington 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT* 

Captn. Elliot. F. 0. 1 July 1842. 

No. -S.-' 

Sir, 

The ratifications of the three Treaties concluded in Novr. 184'0 
between Great Britain and the Eepublick of Texas, having been 

*The letter is unsigned. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

T.lliot's consular despatches were not numerous, and were for the most 
part merely formal reports of his presence at his post. These have been 
omitted, and only those bearing on his diplomatic activities and personal 
relations are here printed. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

■'■Despatches Nos. 1 and 2, Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842. are omitted; 
their substance is given in despatches Nos. 1 and 2, Elliot to Aberdeen, 
September 4, 1842, printed below. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 79 

exchanged on the 28th TJlto. with the Texian Charge d'Affaires 
accredited to this Government, you will take upon yourself the 
character and duties of H. M. Charge d'Affaires to the Govt, of 
Texas, agreeably to the assurance which was prospectively given 
you to that effect by Visct: Palmerston in his dispatch dated the 
4th of August last. 

A brief instruction for the general guidance of your conduct 
in your new capacity may suffice in the present position of our 
relations with the Eepublick of Texas. 

Those relations will necessarily, in the first instance, be namely, 
commercial; and, as such, they will come under your considera- 
tion in your capacity of Consul General, for the performance of 
the duties of which office you have already been sufficiently in- 
structed. 

With reference to our political relations I shall wish that you 
should, at first, assume the attitude, rather of an observer than 
of an actor, of a passive, but not inattentive spectator rather than 
of an energetic agent or counseller. 

You M'ill watch closely all the proceedings of the Texian Govt., 
not with any hostile view, but simply with the object of putting 
Your own Govt, in possession of such facts and circumstances as 
may enable them to form a just estimate of the power and char- 
acter of the Texian Govt, and Xation, and to judge thereby of 
the value of the new relations which H. M. has formed with that 
Eepublick 

It is essential that we should be made well acquainted with the 
resources, military, naval, financial, and commercial, of Texas; 
with the feelings of her Govt, and her people as represented in 
the legislative chambers, both with respect to Great Britain, and 
also with respect to the U. States. And in judging and rejwrt- 
ing on these matters T can not too strongly recommend to you to 
use your best endeavours to do so with the strictest impartiality, 
and not to allow any preconceived notions to bias your judgment 
in coming to a conclusion on these points 

The exact truth without any extraneous colouring, is what 
H. M. Govt, desire in their present very imperfect knowledge of 
the state of affairs in Texas; and to you they must necessarily 
look for that information which is to guide their own judgment 
in those matters. 



80 Texas State Historical Association 

You will of course express to the rulers of Texas the desire of 
H. M. Govt, to cultivate the best understanding with them, and 
especially to do every thing in their power to bring about an 
amicable and early settlement of their differences with Mexico. 
But you will most carefully abstain from using any language 
which may, in the remotest manner, lead to a hope that we may 
ever be disposed to take any part in their contest with Mexico. 

We should be well inclined, in conformity with our Treaty with 
Texas, to mediate between the two Govts., but the part which it 
is our first duty to take, with reference to either, is that of the 
strictest neutrality. 

In conclusion, I wish that all representations which you may at 
any time have to make to the Texian Authorities, either orally or 
in writing, should be conveyed in such a tone and language as it 
becomes one independent Govt, to use towards another independent 
Govt., without reference to the greater strength and more ancient 
reputation of the one or the lesser power and antiquity of the 
other. 



Ab [erdee] n. 



ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 



Draft. Foreign Office. 

Captain Elliot July 1st. 1842. 

No. 4. 

Sir, 

I inclose to you a Copy of a Protocol of a Conference^ which 
I, as Plenipotentiary for Great Britain, and Mr. Ashbel Smith, 
as Plenipotentiary for the Republick of Texas held at the Foreign 
Office on the 28th ultimo recording the exchange of the Eatifica- 
tions of the three undermentioned Treaties between Her Majesty 
and the Republick of Texas. 

1. A Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, signed at London 
on the 13th of Novr. 1840. 

2dly A Convention containing certain arrangements relative 
to Publiek debt, signed at London on the 14th of Novr. 1840; 



'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. 

-Held at the foreign office, June 28, 1842. See Garrison, Diplomatic 
Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, ITT, 996, in Am. Hist. Assoc. 
Report, 1908, II. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 81 

and 3d]y, a Treaty for the suppression of African Slave Trade, 
signed at London on the 16th of Novr. 1840. 

I also inclose to you Six Copies of each of the above mentioned 
Treaties signed on the 13th and 14th of Novr. 1840. — And also 
Copies of Protocols of the Conferences held at this office on the 
19th of May and 14th of December 1841^ between the Plenipo- 
tentiaries of Great Britain and of Texas, extending the time for 
the Exchange of the Eatitications of the Treaties between the Two 
Countries. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT" 

Draft. Foreign Office. 

Captain Elliot. July 1. 1842. 

jSTo. 5. Confidential. 

Sir. 

I inclose to you confidentially for Your information, a Copy of 
a dispatch which I have addressed to Her M's Minister in Mexico,^ 
relative to the two Treaties between Great Britain and Texas 
signed on the 13th and 14th of ISTovember, 1840 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. Foreign Office. 

Captain Elliot. July 1. 1842. 

No. 7.= 

Sir, 

Having received from more than one quarter, and especially 
from H. M. Consul at Vera Cruz, in a despatch dated the 30th 
of April and 10th of May, information that, as far as Vera Cruz 
at least is concerned, the Blockade of the Eastern Coast of Mexico 

^Both in British and Foreign State Papers, XXX, 1127-1128. 

=F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. 

'Aberdeen to Pakenham. July 1, 1842. F. 0., Mexico, 152. Aberdeen 
instructed Pakenham to urge upon Mexico a recognition of Texan inde- 
pendence, and a discontinuance of all attempts at reconquest. For ex- 
tracts and substance, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 
101-102. 

*F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

^Despatch No. 6, Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842, is omitted here; it 
transmitted copy of despatch No. 28, Aberdeen to Pakenham, July 1, 
1842, in regard to Texan blockade of Mexican ports. 



S'3 Texas State lIxMoricol Association 

proclaimed by the Govt, of Texas on the '^Gth of March, had not 
been, up to that date, practically enforced. I have thought it 
my duty to address a Letter, of which a Copy is herewith enclosed,^ 
to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in which I have 
requested that the Commander in Chief of H. M. Xaval forces in 
the West Indies may be instructed to dispatch forthwith lo the 
Coast declared under Blockade, a sufficient force for the protec- 
tion of British Trade in that quarter; and also to report upon the 
efficiency, or otherwise of the Blockade so declared 

At the same time I have also thought it my duty to represent 
verbally to the Texian Charge d'Affaires in this Country the im- 
policy on the part of a Govt, so recently established, and as yet 
so scantily recognized, as that of Texas, of resorting to a measure, 
which ought always to be avoided, except in cases of extreme 
urgency, and is always attended with great danger and odium to 
the Blockading Power, and liable to excite feelings of disgust and 
hostility in all other Powers; — the great Commercial Powers 
especially 

I have to instruct you, under the supposition that the Blockade 
is an actual and effective one, and properly supported by an ade- 
quate Blockading force, as required by the Law of Xations, to 
make a temperate but energetic representation in the same sense 
directly to the Govt, of Texas, and to use your best endeavours to 
induce that Govt, to raise the Blockade without loss of time; rep- 
resenting to them the ill will which a continuance of it will excite 
in foreign Xations, and especially amongst the Merchants of the 
higher Commercial Powers, whose friendship it must be so greatly 
the interest of the Texian Govt, to conciliate in the infancy of 
their Countrev's independence. 

You may also add that the Blockade of the ^lexiean Ports, 
which, in the opinion of H. M. Govt, was, from the first injudi- 
cious has, since the final completion of the Treaties between Great 
Britain and Texas, become particularly inopportune, since it is 
now the duty of the British Govt, conformably to the provisions 
of one of those Treaties, to endeavour once more to mediate a 
Peace l)€tween tlie two Countries, with a view to the recognition 
of Texas by Mexico. 

"Xot found. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 83 

It is scarcely to be supposed that such Mediation can be under- 
taken with an}' rational hope of success at a moment when an 
obstruction is opposed by Texas to the Commerce of Mexico with 
other Countries; which, under any circumstances, could contribute 
but little in proportion to its vexatious character, to the success 
of the Contest at present raging between the two Eepublicks. 

Should you have good reason to know that the Blockade of the 
Mexican Ports is not effective, or that it is enforced, not by Ves- 
sels bona fide Texian, but by Ships belonging to foreign States 
or Adventurers, it will then become your duty to protest formally 
against it, and to declare to the Govt, of Texas explicitly, but in 
temperate language, that the British Govt, will neither acknowl- 
edge, nor observe, it.^ 

You will, under any circumstances, employ all the means within 
Your reach, for elucidating the important point above adverted to, 
namely, whether supposing the Blockade to be real, the Blockading 
Vessels are Texian, or foreign. It is obvious that, considering 
the proximity of the United States, and the known bias of the 
people of that Country in favour of Texas and Texian independ- 
ence, there must always be a great probability that those persons 
will omit no opportunity of taking part with the Texians either 
by land or Sea, especially when so fair a chance of gain offers, as 
the sharing in the Blockade of the Mexican Ports would hold out 
to them. 

To this point You will therefore direct Your particular atten- 
tion, and report accurately to H. M. Govt, all the authentic in- 
formation which You may be able to collect upon it. I am, 

Aberdeen. 

^The blockade was not effective, but its promulgation had stirred a 
warm protest by British merchants, who in May and June, 1842, ad- 
dressed numerous letters to the foreign office. (F. 0., Mexico, 158 and 
159. Domestic Various.) Houston revoked the blockade on September 
12, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, 
III, 1014, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 



84 Texas State Historical Association 



ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. July 1st. 1842. 

Capt. Elliot. 

H. M. Charge d'Affaires 

Texas. No. 8. 

Sir. 

In the Year 1837, H. M. Govt, received accounts of certain 
outrages which had been committed upon two British Merchant 
Vessels, named the "Eliza Eussell" and the "Little Penn," by 
Vessels in the Service of the Texian Authorities, and several suc- 
cessive Communications were consequently made by my Prede- 
cessor to Genl. Henderson, an Agent from Texas then in this 
Country, with a view to obtain redress for these Outrages by 
amicable means.^ 

The result of these preliminary Communications was an assur- 
ance on the part of Genl. Henderson, first with respect to the Eliza 
Russell, that the Texian Authorities were ready to pay the whole 
of the Claim brought forward by H. M. Govt, on behalf of the 
Owner of that Vessel; and secondly, with respect to the case of 
the "Little Penn" upon which there seemed to be some demur, 
that they were ready to investigate that Case, and in the event of 
the Claim proving well founded, that they would not hesitate to 
make full compensation to the Owners. 

The stay of Genl. Henderson in England, however, having been 
only temporary, and H. M. Govt, having then no Agent in Texas, 
the further prosecution of these Claims was entrusted to Mr. 
Pakenham, H. M. Minister in Mexico, who was at that time, in 
Communication upon other Matters with Genl. Hamilton an Agent 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

^This matter occupies much space in the correspondence between Aber- 
deen and Elliot. Since Elliot nearly always merely carried out Aber- 
deen's instructions by transmitting formal official communications to the 
Texan government, and since these are included in Garrison, Diplomatic 
Correspondence of the Republic o/ Texas, no further letters treating of 
the Eliza Russell and Little Penn cases will be printed h^re, unless they 
contain references to other matters. For a succinct account of the cases 
see Worley, "The Diplomatic Relations of England and the Republic of 
Texas," in The Quarteely, IX, 5-8. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 85 

from Texas theu in Mexico;^ and Statements of the Claims, sup- 
ported by the necessary proofs, were forwarded to Mr. Pakenham 
for Communication to Genl. Hamilton and through him to his 
Govt. Genl. Hamilton having been succeeded in Mexico by 
Mr. Trent, [Treat] ^ another Texian Agent, Mr. Pakenham made 
his representations to the last mentioned Gentleman from whom 
assurances were received similar to those which had been given 
by Genl. Henderson, but eventually it was deemed expedient to 
defer the final prosecutions of these Claims until H. M. Govt, 
should have appointed an Agent to reside in Texas, who would 
then make a direct application to the Texian Govt, for redress. 

That Step having now been taken, I accordingly transmit to 
You herewith for your information and guidance. Copies of the 
Correspondence, as marked in the Margin, which has passed be- 
tween this Office and Mr. Pakenham upon this subject,^ together 
with Copies of the Correspondence and other Papers therein re- 
ferred to, with the exception of the Inclosures in Lord Palmer- 
ston's Despatch ISTo. 10 of the 15th of February 1840. 

These Inclosures comprise authenticated Documents and other 
Papers relating to the Claims in question; and Mr. Pakenham 
has been instructed to transmit them to You at Austin by the 
earliest opportunity. 

^Hamilton was not in Mexico, but corresponded with Pakenham from 
New Orleans. (Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 36-40'.) 

^James Treat, confidential agent of Texas in Mexico, 1839-40. Died at 
sea while returning to Texas, November 30, 1840. Very little information 
has been found regarding Treat, though he played an important, though 
brief, role in Texan diplomacy. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of 
the Republic of Texas, II, 451, footnote; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, 
II.) There is a tombstone in Wethersfield, Connecticut, erected to the 
memory of "James Treat, died November 30, 1840. Buried in Galveston, 
Texas." (J. Harvey Treat, Genealogy of the Treat Family, 505.) The 
author of this work knew only that Treat was a "Minister to Mexico," 
and could find no record of his previous history. 

^The copies listed in the margin, all of which bore upon the "Eliza 
Russell" and "Little Penn" claims, were the following: (1) Palmerston 
to Pakenham, February 15, 1840, No. 10, with list of enclosures (F. O., 
Mexico, 133) ; (2) Pakenham to Palmerston, April 30, 1840, No. 43, with 
two enclosures (F. 0., Mexico, 135) ; (3) same to same. August 22, 1840, 
No. 77, with one enclosure (F. 0., Mexico, 137) ; (4) Palmerston to Ham- 
ilton, November 28. 1840 (F. O.. Texas, Domestic, 1) ; (5) Aberdeen to 
Pakenham. .June 1. 1842, No. 18 (F. 0., Mexico, 152). The' last letter 
notifies Pakenham that henceforth Elliot will assume the duty of pressing 
these claims on Texas. 



86 Texas StaU Ilistorical Association 

Wlien you receive these Documents, you will be in possession 
of all that has passed on the Subject of these Claims; And I have 
to instruct You to lose no time in pressing them in the strongest 
manner upon the serious attention of the Texian Govt, as Claims 
which H. Mjty. fully expect and require should be adjusted with- 
out further delay. 

In conclusion I have to call your attention to the fact, that 
great pains have been taken to examine into the Evidence adduced 
by the parties interested, with respect to the amount of their 
Claims, and that those Claims have, through the interposition of 
H. M. Govt, been reduced to the lowest Sum to which the Parties 
appear in justice to be entitled. 

Ab[erdee]n. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Gregory's Hotel, Arundel St. 
Hay market, July 2d. 18'42. 
My Lord, 

According to the various accounts which have recently arrived 
from the United States, it would appear that the greater part of 
the Texan Navy had (as I have already intimated) proceeded to 
N'ew Orleans and Mobile, for the purpose of refitting and obtain- 
ing Stores. There seems no reason to doubt that it was the inten- 
tion of the Government of Texas to reinforce the blockade 

The Texan Congress had been summoned to meet at the close 
of last Month, and the President was, in the meantime, arranging 
the Army for the projected invasion of Mexico. The force called 
to the field may be estimated at 5,000 Men, which, in case of 
actual hostilities, would be largely increased by Volunteers from 
the United States. 

The Count de Breteuil, French Secretary of Legation at Mexico, 
is among the list of passengers brought by the Great Western. 
This is the second import of French diplomacy from Mexico within 
a short period of time. 

In acknowledging the honor of Your Lordship's Note of the 
27th ult, I feel a degree of self-reproach lest I should have 
been much too inconsiderate in pressing for a reply. Per- 

^F. 0., Texas. Vol. 3. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 8'7 

haps a palliatory plea for undue susceptibility might be found in 
the fact that my position with relation to Your Lordship has been 
that of an applicant for office 

Permit me to explain that the political aim of the contemplated 
work was to be the establishment of peace between Texas and 
Mexico. I may add that, were I in the employment of Govern- 
ment, I would be strongly indisposed to venture into print with- 
out the knowledge and sanction of the head of the department 
[to] which I was attached. 

The name of Tho. L. M. Eate/ of the firm of Eickards Little 
& Co 15 Bishopsgate St. Within, has been transmitted by Mr. 
Ashbel Smith to his Government, to be substituted for mine in 
the Commission of Consul General for Texas in Great Britain 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 

KENNEDY TO BIDWELL" 

[July 6, 18-42.] 

Mr. Kennedy presents his compliments to Mr. Bidwell, and 
begs to submit the following facts, in reference to the appoint- 
ment of a Consul, or a Vice Consul, at Galveston— leaving out of 
view Mr. Kennedy's own impression that the Government intended 
to grant him Consular rank. 

L France and the United States (each represented by a 
Charge d'AfEaires) have their respective Consuls at Galveston, who 
will by Virtue of their rank necessarily exercise greater weight 
than a British Vice-Consul. The inconvenience of this will sug- 
gest itself to Mr. Bidwell's experience 

2. The Seat of Government in Texas is on the Indian frontier, 
distant from the more populous Settlements, and above two hun- 
dred Miles from Galveston, with which it is unconnected by any 
regular and speedy means of conveyance. For all commercial 
purposes requiring despatch and arising out of Maritime inter- 
course, with the Coast, the services of a Consul General stationed 

^Lachlan Mcintosh Rate. He was recommended to Ashbel Smith by 

Kennedy on June 30, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the 

Republic of Texas, III, 991, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 

"-F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



88 Texas Stale Hktorical Association 

at Austin would be altogether useless. Yet the representatives 
of France and the United States have their official residence at 
Austin, and the representative of Great Britain cannot reside else- 
where without material detriment to the efficient exercise of his 
diplomatic functions. The unsettled state of affairs in Texas 
would seem peculiarly to demand the constant attention of the 
British Consul General at the Seat of Government. 

3. There are several ports on the Coast of Texas which might 
properly fall under the supervision of a British Consul at Galveston 
through his Agents. I may enumerate Sabine, at the Mouth of 
the river of that name, Velasco, on the Brazos, Matagorda and 
the adjoining places, Copano and its neighbourhood, and Corpus 
Christi. Matagorda is already the seat of a considerable and 
growing Commerce, and there is every reason to anticipate that 
a very few Years will bring an important increase to the trade of 
all. The United States have Vice-Consuls at Velasco and Mata- 
gorda, and, I believe, at Sabine 

For the several reasons herein adduced — namely — The practice 
of France and the United States — the remoteness of the Consul 
General's Official residence from the principal Seaports, and the 
extent of district requiring Consular supervision, together with 
the prospect of an early enlargement of our commercial operations 
in Texas. Mr. Kennedy respectfully submits (apart from the 
consideration of his personal claims or impressions) that an agent 
of the British Government holding Consular rank should be sta- 
tioned at Galveston 

Gregory's Hotel Arundel St. Haymarket. 
July Gth. 1842. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Gregory's Hotel. 
Arundel St. Haymarket 

July 7th. 1842. 
My Lord, 

I yesterday received private letters from Galveston in Texas 
which confirms generally the information I have communicated 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 89 

to Your Lordship respecting the blockade and the projected in- 
vasion of Mexico. The Texan Commodore has sailed to New 
Orleans and Mobile, for the purpose of refitting, leaving a single 
brig of war (the Wharton) to watch the Mexican Coast. 

From the posture of affairs at the date of my letters, I should 
think that the invading army of Texas would be on its March 
towards the Mexican frontier about the first of next Month. There 
seems to be no want of Men or Military means. The avowed 
object of the war is to extort from Mexico the recognition of 
Texan independence, and, with it, permanent peace. 

From an earnest desire to avoid troubling Your Lordship with 
renewed application on the subject of my appointment, I called 
yesterday on Mr. Bidwell, to ascertain what steps had been taken 
in reference to the Galveston Consulate. 

Contrary to my understanding of Your Lordship's kind and 
complimentary offer of the 6th Ult. it was intimated by Mr. Bid- 
well that my name had been sent into him for the Subordinate 
rank of Vice Consul at Galveston. The inexpediency of such an 
appointment, in a business point of view, I have endeavoured to 
demonstrate in a Note to Mr. Bidwell. Its want of accordance 
with the offer of which I signified my acceptance, and for which 
I declined the Consul Generalship of Texas in this Country, I 
beg respectfully to indicate to Your Lordship, from whom the 
instructions necessary for rectifying the matter are required to 
proceed. 

A probable absence of some years in a foreign Country demands 
not a few preparatory arrangements, more especially if that Coun- 
try should be, like Texas, recently settled. Among other things, 
I find that the transport of a dwelling house from England will 
be requisite. The order for this, which it will take some time to 
execute, only awaits the issue of my Commission. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen 

KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^ 

[July 14, 1842.] 
Mr. Kennedy presents his Compliments to Mr. Bidwell, and in 
the hope that he is not unduly importunate, begs to remind him of 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



00 Texas State HisforiraJ Association 

hi? obliging promise to send Mr. K. a letter signifying his appoint- 
ment to the Consulate at Galveston — early in the present week. 
In the anticipation of being favoured with this letter, he had made 
arrangements for leaving London to join his family and recruit 
his health on the Coast. 

Gregory's Hotel. Arimdel St., Haymarket. 
July 14th. 1843. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. July 15. 1842 

Captain Elliot. 
No. 9. 

Sir, 

In my despatch No. 7, of the 1st. inst. I instructed you to press 
upon the Govt, of Texas' the great impolicy on their part of con- 
tinuing the Blockade of the Coast of Mexico; and to represent to 
them the earnest desire and recommendation of H. M. Govt, that 
they should not persevere in such an exercise of belligerent rights. 

You will still endeavour to attain that object by every means 
in >your power. But if, contrary to the just expectation of H. M. 
Govt, the Texian Govt, should determine to maintain the Blockade, 

1 have to instruct you to apply to them to give directions to the 
Officers commanding the Blockading Vessels not to interfere with 
the Vessels of the Eoyal Mail Steam Company employed by H. M. 
Govt., but to suifer those Vessells to continue to perform unmo- 
lested the Packet Service on the Mexican Coast, in the same man- 
ner as the British Packets were allowed to perform the same 
service during the French Blockade on that Coast.- And if the 
Texian Govt, acquiesce in this demand, as that of Her Majesty 
feel satisfied they will, you will communicate that fact to H. M. 
Minister in Mexico, as well as to the Commander of H. M, Naval 
forces in the West Indies, and to the Agents of the Eoyal Mail 
Steam Packet Company at Jamaica and tlie Havannah. 

'F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is luisigned. 

^In 1838 France blockaded Mexican ports to enforce adjustment of 
French Claims. (H. H. Bancroft, History of Mexico, V, ch. VIII.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 91 



ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. Foreign Office 

Captain Elliot July 16. 1842. 

No. 10. 

Sir. 

I enclose herewith, for your Information, Copies of a Corre- 
spondence which has recently taken place between this Depart- 
ment, and the Charge d' Affaires of Texas, and also between this 
Department and the Adrairalty,^ on the subject of two Steam Ves- 
sels, the "Montezuma", and "Guadalupe", which have been fitted 
out in tlie Ports of Great Britain by Messrs. Lizardi and Co. for 
the service of the Mexican Government; against the fitting out, 
and supposed arming and officering of which Vessels the Texian 
Charge d' Affaires protested.-* 

A prior Correspondence had already taken place between this 
Department and Messrs. Lizardi and Co. and the Mexican Charge 
d' Affaires at this Court, on the subject of a permission which was 
requested by Messrs. Lizardi and Co. to arm the Vessels in ques- 
tion. That permission was refused on the ground of the private 
character of the Vessels until they should have reached Vera Cruz, 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

^Smith to F. 0., June 14 and July 1, 1842; F. 0. to Admiralty, July 
5 and 7, 1842; Admiralty to F. O., July 6, 8 and 12, 1842; F. O. to 
Murphy, May 31, 1842. 

'These two vessels were intended to rehabilitate the Mexican navy. 
They were built in English ports, equipped, with the official sanction of 
Aberdeen, by a firm regularly supplying stores to the British navy, and 
at first it was also intended that they might be armed by similar firms, 
and commanded by English naval officers on leave. These last two plans 
were prohibited by Aberdeen after protest by Ashbel Smith, though in 
fact the ships were taken out by British naval officers who resigned their 
commissions. (Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 83-96.) 
The matter occupies much space in Ashbel Smith's despatches from May 
to September, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Re- 
public of Texas. ITT, 955-1026, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 
The correspondence listed in this letter is to be found as follows: (1) 
letters to and from Ashbel Smith, in reference just given to Garrison, 
III, 986 and 977; (2) letters to and from the Admiralty, in F. 0., Mex- 
ico, 158, Domestic Various (Addington to Barrow, and replies) ; (3) 
letter to Murphy, in F. 0., Mexico, 157, Domestic, Mr. Murphy. This 
last communication though dated May 31, was not sent to Murphy until 
July 15. Further letters on the Montezuma and Guadalupe aff"air will 
be omitted in this printing, unless they contain other matters of im- 
portance. 



92 Texas Piatc Historical Association 

at which period alone they were to become hona fide the Property 
of the Mexican Government. 

Had they been fitted out in Great Britain by the order, and on 
the account of the Mexican Government, that permission might 
legally have been granted, but, being private Property, so long as 
they remained in a British Port, such permission would have been 
contrary to Law. 

I enclose herewith a Copy of the Letter by which the decision 
of H. M's Government on this point was conveyed to Mr. Murphy 

I communicate this Letter to you, not as having any direct con- 
nexion with the Correspondence between Myself and the Texian 
Charge d 'Affaires referred to in the first Clause of this despatch, 
but merely as calculated to give you, and to enable you to give 
the Government of Texas, a clearer Insight into the Principles 
which have guided Her M's Government in this matter, as well 
as in that which formed the subject of that Correspondence 

Our determination is to observe a strict neutrality in the present 
Contest between Mexico and Texas; a perfect impartiality in our 
Conduct towards both Parties; and a rigid adherence to law in 
all that regards the Proceedings of either in respect to Great 
Britain. 

So long as the Steam Vessels in question are, in the eye of 
English Law, private property and unarmed, although they may 
be surmised, or even known, to be destined for the use of the Mexi- 
can Government, the British Government has no right to interfere 
with them ; nor were the Vessels destined for the use of the Texian, 
instead of the Mexican Government, would the conduct of Great 
Britain be altered in any particular 

You will make a frank Communication to this effect to the 
Government of Texas. 

I have thought it expedient to enter thus fully into the subject, 
as I am conscious that to Persons not thoroughly acquainted with 
the |>eculiarities of British Law, some doubts might present them- 
selves as to the Principles on which we have acted in this matter. 

The above explanations are intended to dissipate these doubts, 
and will, I feel confident, succeed in doing so. 

Aberdeen.^ 

^Despatch No. 11, Aberdeen to Elliot, July 16, 1842, omitted here, trans- 
mitted copy of despatch No. 48, Fakenham to Aberdeen, June 2, 1842, and 



Brifisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 93 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Glasgow, August 1st. 1843. 
My Lord, 

Having visited the West of Scotland to take leave of old and 
kind friends, I have heen consulted by a number of the industrious 
artizans who, suffering from want of employment, are desirous to 
emigrate to Texas. The Engineers Association, which has a com- 
mon fund of £40,000 and supports four hundred unemployed 
workmen, has some idea of purchasing Texan lands and planting 
these men upon them. In the present doubtful state of the rela- 
tions between Mexico and Texas, I cannot recommend immediate 
and extensive Settlement in the latter Country. I beg to mention 
these facts as they may have some weight with Your Lordship in 
the negotiations for peace. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 3.^ New Orleans, August 14th. 1842 

My Lord, 

I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's despatches 
No. 9, 10, and 11 of 1842. 

An accidental interruption of the Communication by American 
Steam Vessels between Cuba and New Orleans, and the failure of 
the Ouhvard West India Mail of the 15th June beyond Nassau 
in New Providence, detained me at the Havannah till the 30th 
Ultimo. 

•the latter's reply to same despatch No. 38, Aberdeen to Pakenham, July 
15, 1842, in regard to the threatened blockade of Mexican ports by the 
Texans. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

Uhid. 

'No. 1, Elliot to Aberdeen, acknowledging receipt of des;;atche3; and 
No. 2, reporting that he is en route to his post, are omitted. 



94 Texas State Historical Associ/iUoii 

Upon my ni'rival at this place too, on llic ()t!i Instant. I find llmt 
the passage Vessels plying between Galveston and New Orleans 
havo either been sent on to New York, or laid up here; from want 
of snfficient employment at this Season of the year. But I am 
informed that a Steam Vessel will sail to Texas on the 16tb or 
17th Instant, and T hope therefore to reach my post before the 
close of this week. In the mean time I have been able to collect 
some information which it appears to be desirable to transmit 
without delay. 

During my detention at the Havannah Her Majesty's Ship 
"Victor'* arrived there from Vera Cruz, having recently visited 
Galveston. Captain Otway informed me that the President of 
Texas had assured him that particular orders had already been 
issued to the Commander of the Texian Vessels of War not to 
interfere with the Ships of the Eo3^al Mail Steam Packet Company 
visiting the Ports of Mexico, and Captain Otway had forwarded 
a communication to that effect to the Vice Admiral on this Sta- 
tion, and to Her Majesty's Minister at Mexico. 

Up to the latest period that there is information here from the 
Coast of Mexico, there had been no effectual blockade of the Ports 
involved in General Plouston's Notification, and for Your Lord- 
ship's further information in that respect I beg to inclose a brief 
statement of the actual force and situation of the Texian Marine, 
which I believe may be depended upon. 

I shall not fail earnestly to press the principal point of Your 
Lordships Instructions in the despatch No. 9, upon the Government 
of Texas, and judging from the Moderate and friendly tenor of 
the President's intercourse with Captain Otway upon that sub- 
ject, and from the means of maintaining a Blockade now placed 
under Your Lordship's notice, it seems reasonable to conclude that 
they will accede to the desire and recommendation of Her 
Majesty's Government. 

I would beg to remark that Your Lordship's despatches No. 6, 
7, and 8, probably forwarded through the West India line of com- 
munication, have not yet reached me. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



British Corrnspondence Concerning Texas 'Jo 

[Enclosure] 
Statement of the actual force and situation of the Texian Marine. 



"Austin" 


Corvette. 


18 guns. 


Now at New Orleans. 


''Wharton" 


Brig. 


16 guns. 


Do. Do. 


■'San Bernardo" 


Schooner 


7 guns. 


Cruizing. 


■'San Antonio" 


Do. 


Do. 


At Galveston 



A Man of War Brig, and Steam Vessel at Galveston, dismantled 
and unmanned. 
August 14th. 1843. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Harrogate. August 25th. 1845;. 
My Lord, 

By a copy of the Gazette of the 19th Inst, which has been trans- 
mitted to me from London, I have been apprized of my appoint- 
ment to the Consulate of Galveston. 

Permit me. My Lord, to tender to you my best acknowledge- 
ments, not merely for the recognition of my claims, as signified 
by the appointment, but for the kindness so grateful to my feel- 
ings, which I have experienced in approaching and communicating 
with your Lordship. 

By advice of my Physician, I am taking the Harrogate waters, 
my health being considerably impaired. In ten or twelve days, 
I propose visiting London, and shall be prepared to leave England 
for Galveston about the first of October, should Your Lordship 
not deem it necessary to prescribe an earlier day for my departure. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

N'o. 4. Houston. August 29th. 1842. 

My Lord, 

An immediate opportunity to New Orleans affords me the hope 
of reporting to Your Lordship, by this Mail which leaves Boston 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

-Ibid. In this, as in many of Elliot's letters, the paragraphing is un- 
certain. The arrangement here followed is that which the copyist has 
fixed upon as best indicating Elliot's intention. 



96 Texas State HiMorical Association 

on the 15th Proximo, my arrival in Texas, on the 23cl Instant. 
Owing to bad weather there was no communication between Gal- 
veston and this place till the 27th ; and the next day being Sunday 
I was not presented to the President till today. 

I had however in the mean time delivered Your Lordship's 
despatch addressed to the Secretary of State of this Republic to 
Mr. Terrell, the Attorney General and a Member of the Cabinet, 
charged during the illness of the Secretary, with the duties of his 
Office. 1 had also shewn Mr. Terrell my Commission as Consul 
Genera] (of which he expressed a wish to take a Copy) and he 
informed me that the exequatur would be furnished immediately. 

I mentioned to Mr. Terrell that being anxious to communicate 
with Your Lordship by the Steam Boat about to sail to New 
Orleans, I hoped he would excuse me for entering upon business 
at so early a period of our intercourse, and give me leave to call 
his attention to the subject of certain despatches which had reached 
me since my departure from England. 

Mr, Terrell obligingly assured me that he would endeavor to 
afford me all the information I might require and would confer 
with the President before I saw him, in order that His Excellency 
might express his own views upon any points in question. 

I then read to Mr. Terrell Your Lordships despatch No. 9, 
requesting him to observe that it adverted to Instructions of an 
earlier date, which had not yet reached me, so that I was without 
the advantage of knowing all that Your Lordship desired to con- 
vey upon the impolicy of the Blockade, supposed to exist, when 
that despatch was written. 

But apart from all sources of objection, and even assuming that 
an effectual blockade of the Mexican Ports be maintained by the 
Texian Marine in it's actual force, still I thought the President 
could not fail to perceive that it would be a Measure of much 
more inconvenience to pov/ers friendly to Texas, than to Mexico. 
That State was under heavy obligations abroad : And with very 
burdensome charges at home, arising chiefly from extraordinary 
armament alleged to be intended for the invasion of Texas, it 
would surely be disadvantageous to this Republic, and must be 
repugnant to the Dispositions of the President, to pursue a course 
of which the effect would be the increased difficulty of drawing 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 97 

funds from this Coimtrv, to the embarrassment of foreign Cred- 
itors, much rather than the distress of the Mexican Government 

Mr. Terrell did not impugn this reasoning, but remarked that 
particular orders had already been given to the Officers of the 
Texian Marine not to interfere with vessels engaged in the Packet 
Service of Great Britain, and he hoped therefore there would be 
less inconvenience than might otherwise be the case. He would 
not fail, however, to press all I had urged upon the President. 

I next turned to Your Lordship's despatch No. 10, respecting 
the equipment of the Steam Ships said to be intended for the 
Service of the Mexican Government, but Mr. Terrell at once as- 
sured me that the President was perfectly aware of British law 
and practice in that particular, and was convinced that the Gov- 
ernment of Texas might always depend upon exactly the same 
advantages with respect to equipment in England, or in any other 
respect, as had been enjoyed by the Mexican Government. 

I said that it was the main object of Your Lordship's despatch 
to satisfy the Government of Texas of the detemiination of that 
of Her Majesty to adhere to a rigidly strict Neutrality in the con- 
test between Mexico and their Republic, and as that feeling was 
so well understood, I might dismiss the subject with the expression 
of a sincere hope that the difficulty would be speedily and peace- 
fully concluded. 

It seemed to me that the Instruction of Your Lordship's de- 
spatch No. 11, respecting the period from which the exercise of 
any blockade could be admitted should most properlv form the 
subject of a Note, whenever there was any probability that a 
blockade would be established, and under that impression I did 
not enter upon th.at point at present. 

The President received me with great cordiality, and entered 
fully into the situation and views upon the subject of Mexico. 
He said that he had always been influenced liy the sincerest dis- 
position to adjust the difficulties with that Government upon the 
most moderate footing, involving the acknowledgment of the inde- 
pendence of the Republic; that He was heartily adverse to an 
aggressive warfare upon their frontier, which he was sensible with 
the present means of the Government, could only have the effect 
of destroying the prosperity, and inciting the lasting ill will of a 
section of the Mexican population, with which they wish to be 



98 Texas State IliMorical Association 

neighbours, and should therefore cultivate most friendly relations. 
He said that his own moderate views were not responded to upon 
the part of the people of this Republic, particularly of the Native 
portion of it, highly inflamed by constant incursion upon the part 
of the Mexicans; And he saw reason to apprehend that the con- 
tinuance of these raids would drive him, contrary to his disposi- 
tions, into measures of a similar nature, but of far more extensive 
effect. The relations of this Government with certain Indian 
tribes always left it in his power to carry on a warfare of the most 
formidable description along the whole Eastern frontier of Mexico, 
but he repeated that he was adverse to the adoption of such courses, 
and would still hope for more satisfactory conclusions. 

He now said, that if T saw no inconvenience in doing so, he 
should feel obliged to me to lose no time in writing to Mr. Paken- 
ham, and requesting that Gentleman to make a communication 
upon his (the Presidents part) to General Saint Anna, to the 
elfect that He was ready to consent to an armistice for any length 
of time, and upon any conditions, that Mr. Pakenham might con- 
sider suitable, with the view to the mature adjustment of a per- 
manent and satisfactory arrangement between the contending par- 
ties. He would wish it to be stated that it was only from feelings 
of respect towards the Governments of Her Majesty, and the 
United States, and in reliance upon their continued friendly 
efforts, and He must add in some reliance too upon the moder- 
ation and good faith of General Saint Anna himself, that he had 
always felt himself bound to make every reasonable attempt to 
maintain his own forbearing policy; and he had done so at the 
sacrifice, or at least the temporary sacrifice of his own popularity 
with the greater part of his fellow Citizens. 

I thanked His Excellency for this mark of liis confidence, and 
for a communication of views which could hardly fail to be agree- 
able to Her Majesty's Government on account of their moderation, 
but I begged him to observe, that beyond the fact of the determi- 
nation of Her Majesty's Government to adhere to a strict neu- 
trality in this contest, and my own conviction of It's sincerest 
desire, that it should be promptly and happily adjusted, I was 
wholly without instructions as to the particular course which Hor 
Majesty's Government might decide to take for the furtherance 
of pacification, either in point of channel, or in point of principle. 



Briiisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 99 

At the same time I certainly did not perceive that there could be 
any inpropriety or inconvenience in writing to Mr. Pakenham to 
the effect the President had suggested, and that Gentleman would 
of course be able to judge to what extent it would be in his power 
to meet His Excellency's wishes. 

I think it may be convenient to Your Lordship to peruse the 
Veto Message with which the President returned a recent Act of 
Congress authorizing offensive War against Mexico/ and I have 
therefore taken the liberty to inclose it I would also beg to 
add that I shall forward a copy of this despatch to Her Majesty's 
Ministers at Mexico and "Washington 

The suddenness of this opportunity, and my recent arrival will 
T trust be my reason for the incompleteness of the information, 
I am able to transmit by this occasion; But Your Lordship may 
be assured that I shall not fail to press the impolicy of a Blockade 
upon the attention of the Government, whenever there is any pros- 
pect of its establishment, which is not the case at present. 

The latest intelligence from Mexico at this place is of the 11th 
Instant, and at that time it was the general belief that the force 
about to embark was destined for Yucatan. 



Charles Elliot. 



The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
Downing Street. 



ADDINGTON TO ELLIOT" 

Draft. Foreign Office 

Captn. Elliot. Augt. 31st. 1843. 

Xo. 12.3 
Sir, 

I transmit to you herewith a Copy of a letter from the Ad- 
miralty* relating to a claim on the Texian Govt, for supplies fur- 
nished by the Commandr. of H. M. S. "Comus" to the Officer 
commanding the Schooner of the Texian Govt. "San Bernard" 

^The President's veto message to the bill "authorizing offensive war 
against Mexico" is dated July 22nd, and was printed in the Telegraph and 
Texas Register of July 27, 1842. 

=F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

''For the character of No. 11 see page 92, note. 

*Dated June 12, 1841. 



100 Texas t^iatc Historical Association 

amounting to £3-15-9 and inclosing in original an order on the 
Captain Commanding the Texian Squadron at Galveston signed 
by the Commander of the "San Bernard," for the payment of that 
Sum I have to instruct you to apply to the Texian Govt, for 
the amount of this Claim and transmit the same to this Dept. 

H. U. A[ddington]. 

ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ 

No. 5. Galveston, September 1st. 1842. 

Sir. 

It was intended that the Capital of this Republic should be at 
Austin upon the river Colorado, but the state of public affairs 
led the President to assemble the last Congress at Houston, and 
since that time the Government has been temporarily residing 
there. It is not known when, or indeed whether it will return to 
Austin, or where the next meeting of the Legislature will be held. 

In this uncertainty as to the permanent seat of Government, I 
trust Lord Aberdeen will sanction my residing usually at this 
place, which I find that Mr. Eve the American Minister is doing 
with the sanction of his Government, and Monsieur de Saligny 
my French Colleague, also lived here, after the retirement of the 
Government from Austin, till his return to Europe on leave of 
absence. There is a constant communication between Galveston 
and Houston by Steamer, so that the arrangement is free of in- 
convenience. 

I mentioned to the President that the state of my health made 
it an object to me to live nearer to the Sea Coast than Houston, 
and He requested me to consult my own convenience in that 
respect. 

Charles EUioi 
H. U. Addington, Esqr. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



British Con-espondence Concerning Texas 101 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

^0. 1.2 Galveston, September 4th. 1843. 

My Lord 

I beg leave to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 1 of 
the 2Sth June last, transmitting a letter to the address of the 
Secretary of State of the Eepublic, Accrediting me as Her 
Majesty's Charge d'Affaires in Texas. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl, of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^ 

No. 2. Galveston, September 4th. 1842. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to Acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 
2. of the 28th June, acquainting me, that Her Majesty has been 
pleased to declare that I shall receive an additional Allowance, at 
the rate of one pound a day, to meet the additional expences to 
which T shall be liable as Her Majesty's Charge d' Affairs to this 
Eepublic, and farther that the Allowance is to date from the day 
on which I arrived at my post. It has already been reported to 
Your Lordship, that the date of my arrival was the 23rd Ultimo. 

Charles Elliot 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN* 

No. 3. Galveston. September 4th. 1842. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to Acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 
3 of the 1st July, and shall not fail to observe those Instructions. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

TJliot now begins to number despatches as from charge d'affaires, 
since he is now accredited in that capacity. His previous despatches to 
No. 5 were written as consul general. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

'Ibid. 



102 Texas State Jlisiorical Association 

It will be my duty to Submit to Your Lordship somo informa- 
tion and news upon the points to which my attention has been 
directed by an early occasion. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 4. Galveston. September 4th. 1843 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to Acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 
4. of the 1st July, enclosing a Copy of the Protocol of a Confer- 
ence between Your Lordship, and Mr. Ashbell Smith, at the For- 
eign Office, on the 28th June last, recording the exchange of the 
Ratifications of the three undermentioned Treaties, between Her 
Majesty and the Eepublic of Texas. 

1. A Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, signed at London 
on the 13th November 1840. 

2d. A Convention containing certain arrangements relative to 
the public Debt, signed at London on the 14th Novr. 1840 : — and 

3d. A Treaty for the Suppression of African Slave Trade, 
signed at London on the 16th November 1840. 

I have also to Acknowledge the receipt of six Copies of each of 
the above Treaties, signed on the 13th and 14th November 1840. 
And also Copies of Protocols of the conferences held at the For- 
eign Office on the 19th May and 14th October 1841, betw^een the 
Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain and Texas, extending the time 
for the exchange of the Eatifications. 

Charles Elliot 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen. 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. 



Briiish Cnrrcspnndcvce Concrniing Texas 103 

ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ 

Separate. Galveston, September 4th. 1842. 

Sir. 

I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 7 July trans- 
mitting the copy of a letter received from the Treasury, stating 
the reasons for which, their Lordships consider that they cannot 
grant rae any allowance in consideration of the extraordinary ex- 
pence I had incurred whilst acting as Her Majesty's Plenipoten- 
tiary in China. 

Although their Lordships have not felt themselves justified in 
entertaining that request I trust it will be remembered that I was 
detained in London upon the public Service for some months after 
my return from China, entirely at my own charge; x4.nd I hope 
therefore that Lord Aberdeen will move their Lordships to pay 
me my full salary as Consul General in Texas from the expiration 
of the Month's leave of absence granted to me after my arrival in 
England in the Month of November last year, till I commenced 
to draw my allowances, that is, ten days before the date of my 
departure, on the 1st June last. The specific period for which I 
would respectfully submit this claim to their Lordship's consid- 
eration, is that between the 1st January last, and the above date, 
when I actually commenced to draw my allowances. 

My detention was occasioned by the desire of the Lords of the 
Treasury, that I should remain in England pending the examina- 
tion of the Accounts of a very large sum of money which I had 
received for the use of the Crown, and though it has not been 
possible for their Lordships upon principle which I do not pre- 
sume to question, to make me any allowance for my Services as 
Her Majesty's Plenipotentiar}' in China, still I cannot but hope 
that it will be thought right to relieve me from the burdensome 
expence of a residence in London, attributable to motives of public 
convenience. 

Charles Elliot. 
H. U. Addington, Esqr. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



104 Texas Sinte Tfistorical Association 

ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ 

Consular. Galveston Sept 4th. 1842. 

No. 7.2 

Sir. 

' I have the honor to acknowledge your despatch No. 6, directing 
me to separate my diplomatic from my Consular despatches by 
affixing a distinct set of numbers to each and marking the last 
with the word Consular; and I remain. . . . 

Charles Elliot. 
H. U. Addington, Esqr. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 8 Houston September 10th. 1842. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 
8 of June 28th last, relative to the claims on account of certain 
outrages, committed upon two British Merchant Vessels named the 
"Eliza Eussell" and "Little Pen" by Vessels in the Service of the 
Texian Authorities 

In obedience to Your Lordship's Instructions, I shall not fail 
to press these Claims in the strongest manner upon the serious 
attention of the Texian Government, as Claims which Her Maj- 
esty's Government fully expect and require should be adjusted 
without further delay. I find, indeed, that the sum of three 
thousand eight hundred and forty dollars was appropriated by a 
joint resolution of both Houses of Congress on the 25th January 
1840, in satisfaction of the claim on account of the "Eliza Eussell" 
and therefore the only difficulty in respect to that matter, arises 
from the actually exhausted condition of the Treasury. 

Observing in Your Lordship's despatch before me, that Mr. 
Pakenham has been instructed to transmit to me certain papers 
relating to these claims I am unwilling to open the Subject till 

>F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

'Nos. 5 and 6, Elliot to Aberdeen, acknowledging receipt of despatches, 
are omitted. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 



British Corr'^spondence Concerning Texas 105 

they reach me, particularly as I collect from the Gentleman in 
temporary charge of the State Department here, that He believes 
there were some obstacles concerning the Claim for the Cargo 
saved from the "Little Pen" and in the absence of the Secretary 
of State and Attorney General, He was not able to explain to me 
the exact nature of the difficulties. 

The papers from Mexico will probably reach me by the next 
arrival from ISTew Orleans, and I propose therefore to delay my 
application for a few days. 

Charles Elliot 
The Eight Honorable 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Galveston September 13th. 1842. 
My Lord, 

I have now the honor to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch 
No. 7 of July 1st and the Inclosure^ is a note which I addressed'to 
this Government under those Instructions. 

The President informed Mr. Eve, the Charge d' Affaires from 
the United States, and Myself the day before yesterday, that it 
was ?iis purpose forthwith to revoke the Notification of the 26th 
March, as respected Neutrals. 

I should inform Your Lordship that Mr. Eve had been in- 
structed in the same sense as myself, respecting the blockade, and 
had made a Communication to the same effect. 

He told us He should adopt this course in deference to the views 
and wishes of our respective Governments; and very sensible of 
their friendly dispositions He would take the same occasion to 
express to me the hope that they would strenuously interpose to 
put an end to the predatorial character of the warfare, waged by 
the Mexicans along the Western side of the frontier of this 
Eepublic. 

He would indeed suggest to us that it would have an immediate. 



'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The despatch is not numbered. 

^Elliot to Terrell, September 10, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- 
spondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1012, in Am. Hist Assoc. Re- 
port, 1908, II.) 



106 Texas State Historical Association 

and most advantageons effect, (supposing it were consistant with 
our Situation) if we would communicate directly with the Mexican 
Officers commanding at the frontier posts, signifying, that the Min- 
isters of our Countries at Mexico, were endeavouring to Mediate 
between the two Eepublics, that the President of Texas had de- 
sisted from all kinds of aggressive warfare, and requesting the 
Mexican Officers to pursue the same course on their Side. T-he 
President by no means deprecated regular invasion, or Avarfare of 
an honorable character. — He was prepared for that, He did 
hope that the Governments of friendly Nations, would use their 
earnest, and powerful efforts, to abolish a course of Paid and rob- 
bery, utterly at variance with the Spirit of the Age, and disgrace- 
ful to the Country by which it was pursued. 

I said, that as far as I was concerned, I must at once declare 
that I did not feel myself warranted in writing directly to the 
Mexican Officers, because Her Majesty's Government was repre- 
sented in Mexico, and I was sure the President would think on 
reflection that the proper, and I should add, the most favorable 
Channel, for all Communications to Mexican Authorities, or Offi- 
cers, founded upon the influence of the British Government, was 
through that Medium. But I entertained no doubt that the 
nature of the warfare to which the President adverted, would be 
contemplated by Her MajestA-'s Government with feelings of great 
concern, and I was equally assured, that Her Majesty's Minister 
at Mexico would cordially endeavour to dissuade its continuance. 
It seemed to me too that His prospects of success in that, and 
still more important respects, must be strengthened by every evi- 
dence of the President's moderation. 

With these convictions T would lose no time in communicating 
with the distinguished Gentleman in question; and beyond the 
general motives likely to influence him I thought I might also 
point to the many, and recent proofs. He had afforded of friendly 
feelings towards the Eepublic, and its Citizens, His interference 
with the Mexican Government for such purposes as the President 
wished, would be much more efficacious than my own, addressed 
directly to its Officers, even if I felt myself in a Situation to write 
to them, which I really did not. Mr. Eve adopted the same course 
of reasoning, and the President, admitting it's cogency, said, He 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 107 

would rely upon the efforts of our respective Official Correspond- 
ents at Mexico, and was well assured of their friendly dispositions. 

During my late visit to Houston, the President took occasion to 
Speak to me again very fully respecting His relations with the 
Indian tribes, and requested it might be particularly pressed upon 
Her Majesty's Government, that He had only been prevented from 
ravaging the Mexican frontier by Motives of great personal repug- 
nance to desolating measures of retaliation. I must by this time 
become sensible however, of the extreme difficulty with which He 
has been able to adhere to this Moderate policy, and He certainly 
felt that it could not be maintained under any further contin- 
uance of provocation upon the part of the Mexicans. Very late 
intelligence from the Western frontier brought accounts of fre- 
quent incursions and robbery, by parties of Mexicans, and such 
proceedings would compel retaliation. 

I told the President that I had not failed to report to Your 
Lordship, what He had stated on a former occasion upon the same 
Subject, and I could not but think that Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment would recognize, and respect the wisdom of his abstinence 
(in spite of popular discontent) from aggressive hostilities, hope- 
less of conclusive effect upon the contending party, full of hazard 
to themselves, and productive of nothing certain except enduring 
hatred on the frontier, and the organization of adventurous pred- 
atory bands, on either side of it. With no power on either part 
to draw this contest to a close ; I could not but think that the more 
moderate would carry with it most of the good will of bystanding 
and powerful parties; The President said He had never missed 
that consideration, and rested much hope in its Soundness. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

Galveston September 17th. 1842 

P. S. The deferred departure of this vessel which conveys these 
despatches, offered me an opportunity to transmit to Your Lord- 
ship the Copy of a Communication from this Government,^ cover- 

^Waples to Elliot, September 14, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- 
sponden<;e of the Republic of Texas, III, 1014, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 
1908, II.) 



108 Texas State Historical Association 

ing the President's proclamation revoking the Blockade of the 
26th March, Copy of which is also herewith transmitted 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 9. Galveston, September 22d. 1842. 

My Lord, 

The accompanying Newspapers^ will place Your Lordship in 
possession of the information which has reached this place, an- 
nouncing the Capture of Saint Antonio de Bexar by a Mexican 
force, on the 11th Instant. 

Your Lordship will observe that the Government entertains no 
doubt of the accuracy of that intelligence, but I am not able to 
offer any opinion upon the correctness of this Statement of force, 
in the occupation of Saint Antonio, or in any of the Misc. details 
reported in these papers 

The effects of a severe hurricane which visited this place on the 
9th Instant has delayed the departure of the vessel conveying My 
despatches to New Orleans, till this afternoon, and I am thus en- 
abled to forward Your Lordship this brief report by the same 
occasion. 

Charles Elliot 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. etc. 

P. S. The latest intelligence from the Court of Mexico is to 
the 13th Ultimo. Charles Elliot. 

ABERDEEN TO KENNEDY^ 

Draft. F. 0. Sept. 29th. 1842. 

Mr. Wm. Kennedy. 
Galveston. 
No. 1. 

Sir. 

The Queen having been graciously pleased to appoint you to be 
H. M's, Consul at Galveston, I inclose to you herewith H. M. 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. 

='The Houston Morning Star and Houstcnian for September 20, 1842. 

*F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



British Correspondence Concernmg Texas 109 

Commission to that effect, and I have to desire that you will pro- 
ceed to your Post with as little delay as possible. 

Yon will lose no time in making yourself conversant with the 
details of the Consular Service, and with the nature and extent 
of your Duties. I inclose to you for this purpose a Copy of the 
General Instructions to H. M. Consuls with the several annexes 
therein referred to; and I have to draw your particular attention 
to the Circular Despatches relating to those Instructions, dated 
the 30th Sept 1833, It Oct. 1836, and It of Augt. 1842. 

You will be punctual in forwarding to this Dept., at the reg- 
ular periods, the Eeturns required by the General Instructions; 
and it will be your duty to avail yourself of every favorable oppor- 
tunity to collect and transmit to me any further useful or interest- 
ing information which you may be able to obtain, relating to Com- 
merce, ISTavigation, and to any other Branch of Statisticks. 

You will receive a Salary of £500 a year to commence ten days 
previously to the day of your embarkation for your Post, and per- 
mission is given to you to engage in Commercial pursuits 

You are, however, to understand that you will not be entitled 
to any Pension or Allowance upon the termination of your Services 
at Galveston. 

Aberdeen. 

ABERDEEN TO KENNEDY^ 

Draft. F. 0. Sept. 29th. 1842. 

Consul Kennedy. 
Galveston. 
No. 2. 

Sir, 

I think it right to draw your special attention to ParagTaphs 
7 and 8 of the General Instructions, and to caution you against 
involving yourself in diflficulties with the Euling Authorities of 
Texas — You will distinctly understand that your Duties are 
confined to the care of British Interests at the Port of Galveston 
and its immediate neighbourhood, and that if at any time, from 
want of proper redress being offered by the local Auths. of that 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



110 Texas Slate Ilisiorical Association 

Port, or from any other cause, you may think that a Representa- 
tion should be inade to the Supreme Govt, of Texas, you will 
make your Representation to H. M's Charge d' Affaires in that 
Country, who will take such steps thereon as he may deem expe- 
dient, in accordance with the Instructions which he may have 
reed, from H. M's Govt. You will at all times implicitly obey 
any directions which Captain Elliot may give to you for the guid- 
ance of your official conduct 

Aberdeen. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. Octr. 3d. 1843. 

Captain Elliot. 
No. 13. 

Sir, 

I herewith transmit to you, for your information, a Copy of a 
letter which I have addressed to Mr. Ashbel Smith the Texian 
Charge d' Affaires at this Court informing him that H. M. Govt, 
consider the Blockade of the Ports of Mexico announced by the 
President of the Eepublick of Texas on the 26th of March last 
as null and of no efi'ect- 

I also inclose a Copy of the London Gazette of the 23d inst 
containing a notification to that effect 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. Octr. 3d. 1842. 

Captain Elliot. 
No. 14. 

Sir, 

With reference to my despatch No. 10 of the 16th of July last 
relative to the two Steam Vessels fitting out in England for the 
use of the Mexican Govt, I herewith transmit to you, for your 
information, copies of a further correspondence upon this subject, 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. 

-See Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondeiwe of the Republic of Texas, 
III, 1034-1035, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 
'F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 111 

as marked in the margin/ which has passed between myself and 
the Mexican and Texian Charge's d'Affaires at this Court. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. Foreign Office. 

Captain Elliot. October 3rd. 1842. 

No. 15. 
Sir, 

Your Despatch No. 4 of the 29th of August has been received 
at this Office this Morning, and I lose no time in expressing to 
you, and desiring that you will convey to the President of Texas, 
the satisfaction Avhich Her Majesty's Government have derived 
from the moderation of his Language and Proceedings with re- 
spect to Mexico. 

You will, at the same time repeat to him the firm determination 
of Her Majesty's Government to employ their best exertions to 
put a stop to the fruitless and desultory War which still exists 
between Mexico and Texas, and you will not conceal from him 
their conviction that the continual forbearance and conciliatory 
conduct of the Texian Government will prove their best auxiliary 
towards enabling them to persuade the Government of Mexico to 
listen to the dictates of good sense and sound Policy, and to yield 
to the friendly and disinterested Advice, which counsels them to 
delay no longer entering into amicable Negotiations with the Ee- 
public of Texas, with a view to the formal recognition of its In- 
dependence. 

ELLIOT TO BIDWELL^ 

Consular. Galveston October 10th. 1842. 

No. 10. 

Sir. 

At the request of certain of Her Majesty's Subjects resident at 
this place, and forming part of the Congregation of a Protestant 

'F. 0. to Ashbel Smith, July 16 and September 27, 1842 (Garrison, 
Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1033 and 1035, 
in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II) ; Murphy to F. 0., August 17 and 
20, 1842; F. 0. to Murphy, August 23, 1842 (two letters of this date), 
F. 0., Mexico, 157, Domestic, Mr. Murphy; Smith to F. 0., September 14 
and 19, 1842 (Garrison, Ibid., Ill, 1017 and 1020). 

-'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. 

«F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



112 Texas State iristorimJ Associ-ation 

Episcopal Church severely injured in the hurrican of the 19th 
Ultimo, I have taken the lihert}^ to address the inclosed letter to 
the Bishop of London.^ 

I learn from the Eeverend Mr. Eaton that it would require 
between £400 and £500 to put the Church into a proppv state of 
repair, and this place is labouring under such severe distress of 
all kinds, that he has no hope of collecting any funds upon the 
spot, particularly as the expences of it's recent erection has been 
heavier than had been anticipated. 

Mr. Eaton is under the impression that a Chapel at Athens 
served by a Clergyman of the Episcopal Church of the United 
States, receives some assistance from Her Majesty's Government. 

I have told him that so far as I can judge, the case of the Church 
at Galveston cannot be brought under the beneficial operation of 
the Act 8 George the 4th Cap. 87, but if I should be mistaken 
in that respect perhaps Lord Aberdeen will be pleased to recom- 
mend the Subject to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury 

In any event I hope His Lordship will perceive no objection to 
the transmission of the accompanying letter to the Bishop of 
London. 

Charles Elliot. 
To J. Bidwell, Esqr. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 11 Galveston October 17th. 1842. 

My Lord, 

The communications between the United States and this place 
have been interrupted since I had the honor to address Your 
lordship on the 22d. Ultimo, but it is proposed to dispatch a 
small vessel in the course of the day to New Orleans, by which 
occasion I transmit this despatch. 

The Mexican force which occupied St. Antonio de Bexar on the 
11th Ultimo, retired from there on the 20th, and it is satisfactory 
to observe that there had been no plunder, and that all the Sup- 
plies had been liberally purchased 

^Not found. 

*F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 



British Corrpspondence Concerning Texas 11. '> 

Part of the Texian levies came up with the retiring force on 
the "Medena" (about 40 miles Westward of St. Antonio) on the 
.?3d. Ultimo, and skirmished with it, but no General action ensued. 
I am concerned, however, to say that a Company of Texian Vol- 
unteers consisting of about 50 men were cut up, or taken pris- 
oners some days before in an attempt to join their advanced force; 
stationed too near to St. Antonio, (then in the occupation of the 
Mexicans) and without secure communication for the approach- 
ing small parties of reinforcements. 

Nothing authentic is known here of General WoU's^ actual sit- 
uation or extent of force, but there is an impression that He has 
been partially reinforced, and is still to the Eastward of the Eio 
Grande in some strength. 

I am not able to report to Your Lordship the existence of any 
such state of organization in this Country as the aspect of affairs 
so urgently requires. The Authority of the Government is not 
respected, there are no resources, and if there be any serious 
intention of invasion upon the part of Mexico (of which I have 
no means of judging) the prospect is unfavoral)le. In fact, mil- 
itarily considered, the bad state of the roads seems to be the chief 
existing obstacle to impede the advance of such a force, as it is 
to be presumed would be thrown into this Country with any pur- 
pose of invasion. 

But regarded in other points of view Your Lordship will prob- 
ably see reason to doubt whether Mexico would derive solid advan- 
tage from the destruction of property, and the breaking up of the 
Establishment in Western Texas. They could hardly push their 
success into the Eastern part of the Country; or at all events per- 
manently maintain themselves in that neighbourhood; and the 
probability and consequences of reaction from the South Western 
parts of the United States are serious considerations. 

It is much to be wished that these difficulties may be promptly 
adjusted. This harassing character of warfare retards indeed, 
the Settlement of this Country; But it does not appear to 
strengthen any reasonable prospect of the re-establishment of 
Mexican Authority in Texas, and futile attempts in that sense 

^A French officer in the service of Mexico. 



114 Texas State' Historical Association 

may readily induce more serious complications than any at present 
subsisting 

It is generally rumoured that a descent is to be made upon the 
Island,^ and if either of the light draught Steam boats have ar- 
rived in Mexico, it seems probable that Measure would be adopted 
(that is to say if invasion be intended) both to establish a basis 
for their own operations, and to cut off the Sea Communication 
with the United States. 

Eeport, however, of every kind must be received with more than 
usual reserve unde!- present circumstances in this Country, and 
I do not learn upon what better foundation this last statement 
rests than most of the others in circulation. I have thought it 
proper to mention it to Your Lordship because of its more gen- 
eral currency, but I can offer no opinion upon it's probability. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Right Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Captain Elliot F. 0. Octr. 18. 1842. 

No. 16. 

Sir. 

With reference to Your dispatch No. 3, of the 14th of Augt. 
last, and the inclosure therein contained, in which you transmitted 
a list of the Texian Naval force, and their distribution, I have to 
desire that you will endeavour to add, as soon as you conveniently 
can to the information thus conveyed to H. M. Govt, the place at 
which each of the Vessels described in that list was built and 
equipped. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Consular. Galveston, October 20th. 1842. 

No. 11. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to submit the Copy of a letter from certain 
persons resident at Matagorda, Her Majesty's Subjects and others, 

^Galveston Island. 

-F. 0., Texas, VoL 4. The letter is unsigned. 

»F. 0., Texas. Vol. 3. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 115 

requesting that a Consul may be appointed for that Port, together 
with a copy of my own reply 

Matagorda is situated off the Mouth of the Colorado Eiver, and 
will probably become the seat of the Chief trade of the Western 
part of Texas, when it settles; but I am concerned to report that 
the late incursions of the Mexicans have seriously thrown back 
the condition of that Country. 

It may be remarked that this point lies with [in] limits, which 
constituted part of Texas Proper according to the demarcation of 
former Governments. 

Charles Elliot 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen K. T. 

WARD AND INGRAM, AND OTHERS TO ELLIOT^ 

[Enclosure] 

No. 1. Matagorda Sept. 24th. 1842. 

To Captn. Elliott. 

Her Britannic Majesty's 

Charge des Affaire for Texas. 
Sir, 

The undersigned Citizens of this Place, having learned with 
pleasure that a treaty of Amity and Commerce has been ratified 
between Great Britain and this Country, and anticipating an in- 
crease of the Commercial relations between the two Countries, 
believe that the appointment of a British Consul for this Port, 
would be attended with desirable results. 

Understanding that you, Sir, have been appointed Her Majesty's 
Charge des Affaire for Texas, and presuming that it would be 
within your province to make that Appointment, [we] request you 
to do so; and beg leave respectfully to name as a suitable person 
our fellow-citizen Mr. Jas. T. Hefford, who with his family have 
been resident among us for the last three years. 

Mr. Hefford is a native and freeman of the City of London, has 
been some years a member of Lloyd's Coffee House, London, and 
a number of years engaged in commercial transactions, both in 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



116 Texas State Historical Association 

England and the United States. We have the utmost confidence 
in his ability and integrity and should feel obliged by his appoint- 
ment. 

Signed Ward & Ingram. 

A. Wadsworth & Co. 

J. E. Value & Co. 

A. Forster Axson. M. D. 

Thos. Harvey. Not. Pub. 
Copy. and others 

Charles Elliot. 

ELLIOT TO WARD AND INORAM. AND OTHERS^ 

[Enclosure.] 
No. 2. Galveston, September- 19th 1843. 

Gentlemen 

I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 24th Instant, 
and regret that it is not in my power to make a British Consular 
appointment for the Port of Matagorda. But I am sensible of 
its growing importance and it will afEord me pleasure to move Her 
Majesty's Government to comply with your request. 

Charles Elliot. 
Messrs. Ward and Ingram, and other Citizens of Matagorda 
Copy. 

Charles Elliot 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 12. Galveston October 20th. 1842 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to acquaint Your Lordship that Mr. John 
Neill born in the town of Ayr, North Britain, has applied to me 
at the suggestion of the President upon the behalf of his Brother, 
Mr. Andrew Neill,* (also born in the same place) captured in 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

^October ( ? ) . 

'F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. 

^Andrew Neill was one of the Bexar prisoners. For an account of his 
capture and subsequent escape see narrative by himself printed in The 
QUABTERLY, XIII, 313-317. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas IIT 

St. Antonio de Bexar on the 11th Ultimo; when that town was 
surprised by the Mexicans 

Mr. John N'eill who resides in that part of the Country informs 
me that he entertains no doubt the Mexican force is still to the 
Eastward of the Eio Grande, and thinks it may be depended upon 
that they will advance again. He is also of opinion that the pris- 
oners may be detained at Matamoras[?] and under all the circum- 
stances of the case I have considered it incumbent upon myself to 
make an effort to obtain his Brother's release, and have therefore 
addressed a letter to General Woll of which I have the honor to 
enclose a Copy. As it may not be consistent with the President's 
purposes in a Military point of v^iew, that any communication 
should take place with the Mexican Forces, (if they do advance 
again) I have sent the original letter to General Woll to His 
Excellency at Washington, with a copy, and committed it to him 
to transmit it or not, as He may judge tit. At the request of 
Mr. John Xeill I shall also furnish a copy to Mr. Pakenham. 

Although I am satisfied that Mr. John Neill is a Subject of Her 
Majesty by birth, still I have felt great doubt and difficulty about 
this case, for it is also true that he has assumed the privileges of 
Texian Citizenship, as Mr. John Neill declares however, with a 
determination to return to Scotland. I thought it right to ex- 
plain to Mr. John Neill that as his Brother had assumed the 
advantages and duties of Texian Citizenship, He had necessarily 
exposed himself to the consequences : And therefore if He had 
been captured with arms in his hands in any act of aggressive 
warfare against Mexico, or with any clear knowledge that He was 
resisting a regular Mexican force, there could not have been the 
least pretension to request his release, or any mitigation of the 
treatment to which He would be liable as a Prisoner of War, 
according to the usages of Civilized Nations 

But the considerations detailed in my letter to General Woll 
seem to me to have left room for interference upon admissible 
grounds, and I hope the course I have taken will meet Your Lord- 
ship's sanction. The case is certainly dubious, but I have felt 
it suitable, (to the extent of my present interference) to afford 
Mr. Neill the benefit of that state of doubt, feeling Your Lordship 
would rather I should have erred on this side, than have rejected 



118 Texas State Historical Association 

any sustainable claim upon the behalf of this Prisoner, preferred 
by his Brother. 

Charles Elliot 
To the Right Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO WOLL^ 

[Enclosure] 

True Copy. Galveston October 18th. 1842. 

Charles Elliot. 

Sir, 

I have the honor to address You in behalf of a Subject of the 
Queen My Sovereign, captured with certain other Prisoners by the 
Mexican force under Your Command at St. Antonio de Bexar on 
the 11 Ulto. 

The name of the prisoner is Andrew Neill, and by the declara- 
tion before me I find him described to be about 30 Years of Age, 
and born at a place called Lough Fergus Farm in the County of 
Ayr, North Britain. 

I am aware that these persons, or at least most of them were 
captured with arms in their hands after some slight resistence, 
neither have I any means of shewing, or any purpose to imply 
that Neill himself was unarmed. But the moderation of Your 
late proceedings at St. Antonio, so honorable to You, strengthens 
me in the confidence that You will at once admit the distinction 
between the case of a few Individuals belonging to peaceful Classes, 
of life (universally absolved from the operation of the rules of 
War) and casually collected at St. Antonio de Bexar, in discharge 
of their Civil functions, and that of detachments of troops, or 
persons assembled with hostile intention against Your Government. 

The exposure of that part of the Country to invasion unauthor- 
ized by Your Government, and it's liability to sudden attack by 
Indians, are considerations which will not be lost upon You in 
explanation of an act of resistance to a complete surprize, by the 
division under Your Command, effected, it should be observed 
before the day light had well broken. 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. 



British Correspondence Concerning Tea-as 113 

You are probably disposed to avail Yourself of any reasonable 
plea for the release of all these parties; And I can hardly doubt 
that upon reconsideration you will admit the truth and cogency 
of their representation that they were ignorant of the nature and 
extent of force to which they were opposed, and were doing no 
more than protecting themselves, against what might have been 
an attack of Indians, or of other disorderly and dangerous persons, 
coming with no Warrant from constitued Authority, and with 
no other object than that of plunder. 

Mr. Neill was at St. Antonio on his peaceful and lawful occa- 
sion. Being there He was in a situation, which He was amply 
justified in expecting attack from quarters that too frequently 
leave to successful resistence the single chance for life. He could 
know nothing of the approach of the force under Your Command, 
and through his assumption of arms on this occasion has war- 
ranted his Capture as a Prisoner of War ; I must declare that it 
does not seem to me to justify his detention after this representa- 
tion shall reach Your hand. Founding the claim therefore, upon 
these premises, and relying upon the amicable disposition of Your 
Government towards that of Her Majesty, I have to request that 
Mr. Neill may be released. 

I have of course no authority to make any formal reclamation 
in behalf of the other Individuals taken upon the same occasion, 
and to whose case similar reasoning may be applied, but appealing 
to Your generosity and Military Spirit I hope to be excused for 
very earnestly recommending the release of all the persons taken 
at St. Antonio. 

It would be an act of consideration worthy of the magnanimity 
of Your Government, and congenial with Your own character to 
accept their reasonable declaration that they had no purpose to 
resist a respectable portion of a regular force. 

Charles Elliot. 
Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d' Affaires 

to the Eepublic of Texas. 

To His Excellency Don Andrew [Adrian] Woll. etc. 

The Officer in Command of the Mexican Force in Advance. 



120 Texas ,'^'tate Historical Association 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

33 Craven Street, Strand. 

October 24th. 1842. 
My Lord, 

Being anxious to avoid as much as possible trespassing upon 
Your Lordship's time with matters of a personal character, I have 
consulted Mr. Bidwell as to the existence of any precedent for a 
British Consul colonizing lands in a foreign Country, the seat of 
his public duties. 

Mr, Bidwell's experience having failed to supply a precedent, I 
beg to submit to Your Lordship the course I propose to adopt, 
under the presumption that it is free from objection. 

The conditional grant of land, which, under a general law of 
concession and contract, I received, in common with other Euro- 
peans, from Texas, would be wholly valueless without the appli- 
cation of a much larger Capital than I can command. I must, 
therefore, have associated capitalists with me in the undertaking 
or have suffered the contract, which is limited as to time, to expire. 
Instead of being associated with capitalists disposed to embark in 
the enterprize, I now propose to transfer to them my interest in 
the Contract, and confine myself to acting in the capacity of 
agent, which I presume to be in accordance with the Consular 
privilege to trade. 

William Kennedy 
The Right Honorable 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

33 Craven Street, Strand 
London, October 27th. 1842. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Her Majesty's 
Commission appointing me to be Her Majesty's Consul at Gal- 
veston, and Your Lordship's despatches (No. 1, 2, 3) together 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 121 

with Consular Instructions and doc-uments appertaining to the 
office. 

My proper appreciation of the trust with which I have been 
honored, will, I am sensible, be best evinced by a faithful, diligent, 
and discreet discharge of the duties connected with it. And in 
this particular I humbly hope I shall not be found wanting. 

On Monday the 31st Inst. I shall leave London, for the purpose 
of proceeding to Liverpool, and there embarking for my post, with 
as little delay as possible 

In accordance with paragraph No. 11, of the Consul Instruc- 
tions for Her Majesty's Consuls, I beg to enclose impressions in 
duplicate of my seal of office and my official Signature annexed. 

William Kennedy 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

ISTo. 13. Galveston, November 2nd. 1842 

My Lord, 

Since I had the honor to address Your Lordship on the 20th 
Ultimo I have received a Communication from this Government, 
herewith transmitted, with my own reply.- 

If I may presume to oifer an opinion upon the general subject 
of this country, thus brought under Your Lordship's notice, I 
should say that it's present critical condition arises from departure 
from that steady abstinence from aggressive War on Mexico, either 
by land or sea, which has always been General Houston's policy, 
in or out of place; I cannot say power, for this Government is 
without force or means. 

The creation of a Texian Marine, at an enormous expense, and 
which there are no longer any funds to maintain, was unneces- 
sary, for Mexico had no Military Marine to molest this country, 
and no merchant ships to .capture. The proceedings, therefore, of 
the Texian Cruisers were calculated only to trouble and provoke 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

'The reply is Elliot to Terrell, October 31, 1842, on the revocation of 
the blockade, and refers to a letter from Terrell, dated October 16, and 
received October 30. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Re- 
public; of Texas, III, 1043, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 



122 Texas State Historical Association 

friendly neutrals, to incite the foreign merchants, connected with 
the trade of Mexico, and to stimulate the supineness of the Gov- 
ernment of that country, by futile manifestations before their 
Ports. 

The result has been the creation of the present Mexican Marine. 

The consequences of the Santa Fe expedition undertaken with- 
out knowledge of the country, without military resources, and 
without discipline, were the surrender of the whole party on the 
threshold of the Mexican territory, the incitement of the frontier 
population, ill affected to their own Government, and not ill neigh- 
bours to the Texians, retaliatory incursions on the part of the 
Mexican Government, the strengthening of the confidence of that 
Government and its troops in their capacity to contend with this 
people, the organization of a corps armed with the same descrip- 
tion of weapon, (the rifle) and finally, something little short of 
the breaking up of the whole Western Country of Texas. 

When the Character of the Mexican Government and people is 
considered it seems reasonable to think that adherence to wiser 
courses, would have long since made it a matter of indifference to 
Texas whether Mexico acknowledged its independence or not, for 
a profitable and growing forced trade with the North Eastern 
Provinces of Mexico was inevitable, (rapidly populating, and 
strengthening the western part of Texas) and which the Mexican 
Government could not have disturbed, without the greatest danger 
of intestine commotion; and could only have regulated by a treaty 
of peace, and moderate fiscal arrangements. It is a remarkable 
fact in support of this view, and otherwise of much interest, that 
the Mexican force which surprised St. Antonio in the course of 
last September, was accompanied by traders who bought up all 
the Merchandize deposited there, at very handsome prices, and 
carried it back under the protection of the retiring force. 

l^othing certain is known here of General Woll's situation (a 
circumstance which will enable Your Lordship to judge of the 
condition of this country in respect to Military vigilance, and 
information,) but it is generally believed that he is on the 
"Nueces" and that he has been reinforced, In the meantime 
considerable numbers of Texian Volunteers, perhaps about 1000, 
have assembled at St. Antonio de Bexar and in the neighbour- 
hood, and it is declared with the determination to cross the Rio 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 123 

Grande, and ravage that line of frontier. It is to be hoped that 
no measure of that kind will be attempted, for with very high 
impressions of the gallantry of these levies, it must be added that 
ihoy are without discipline and I am afraid there can be little 
doubt that the result would be signally disastrous. 

Your Lordship will I believe be disposed to think that there is 
soundness in the opinion that the strength of this people lies 
entirely in adherence to a system of defensive War. By drawing 
the Mexicans into the heart of the Country, driving their own 
cattle before them as they retired, destroying the crops, and never 
suffer iug IJiem selves to be betrayed into measures of serious attack, 
till they had the full advantage of an exhausted enemy, remote 
from their own resources, some moment of tempestuous weather, 
and a wooded position from which they could use their rifles with- 
out danger of dislodgement by a regular force, (and the banks of 
the numerous streams abound in such cover) it appears to be as 
certain as any event in war can be thought to be, that the Mexi- 
cans would suffer another heavy discomfiture. With perfect 
knowledge of the country on the part of the Texians, it is hard 
to believe that an opposing force, taken at proper advantage', would 
succeed in getting out of it 

Movemenis upon these principles, enabled General Houston to 
achieve the successes of 1836 when the country was much weaker 
than it is at present, and with leading of equal skill, and equal 
address in the management of the particular force which this 
country can assemble the like results might be looked for again. 
Eecent events have afforded no evidence of such qualities. 

Arrivals from New Orleans to the 26th Ultimo bring intelli- 
gence from Campeche to the 14th Ultimo at which date there was 
a (ionsiderable Mexican force concentrated there. The next ar- 
rivals will probably bring intelligence of some decisive event in 
that quarter, and the nature of that event will as probably deter- 
mine the course of the rulers of Mexico with regard to this 
country. 

Sudden and violent revulsions of authority are so usual in 
Mexico, and there is so much difficulty on the part of such a Gov- 
ernment in commanding the efficient working of the mixed arm- 
ament with which they are now operating, that it is possible large 



184 Texas Slate Ilktorical As^sociation 

aJlowancep should be made for the chances of trammel or difficulty 
in some of these particulars 

Other motives and impulses of which Your Lordship must be 
fully informed are also acting upon the Mexican Government, and 
Your Lordship will of course be able to judge of the purposes of 
that <.T0vernment much better than I can have any means of doing. 
But speaking as a Seaman, and with a long experience in these 
seas, I ]nay add that at this season of the year, and during the 
winter months, there would be great risk of disaster from bad 
weather and dangerous navigation, particularly on the Campeche 
Bank, to a Squadron of Mexican transports and vessel? of War. 

Before I conclude this despatch I think it right to acquaint 
Your Lordship that the heavy rains and tempestuous weather of 
the last month and September have seriously damaged the crops 
of this year, and upon the whole this Country is struggling through 
a state of great difficulty of all kinds. 

Charles Elliot 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. 

The last despatch I have had the honor to receive from Your 
Lordship in this Series is No. 11 of July 16th and I am afraid 
that some communications from the department must have been 
lost in the Steam boat "Merchant" cast away in the early part of 
last month on the passage from ISTew Orleans to this place. 

Charles Elliot. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

No 17. Foreign Office 

November 3d. 1842. 
Sir, 

With reference to my Despatch No 15 of the 3d. ultimo upon 
the subject of the Eelations between Mexico and Texas, I inclose 
to you, for your information Copies of a communication which I 
have received from Mr Ashbel Smith, and of a correspondence 

'F. 0., Texas. Vol. 18. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 135 

which I have held with Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, hav- 
ing reference to that subject.^ 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot. E. N. 

ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ 

Private. Galveston. I>[ovember 15th. 1842 

My Dear Sir, 

I have to acknowledge and thank you for Your Note of the 3d 
ITltimo.-' The President is General Houston of your acquaintance, 
and I am sure that your friendly recollection of him will afford 
him great pleasure. His career during too large an interval be- 
tween that time and this, has been strange and wild. Defiance of, 
and expulsion from a branch of the Legislature of which he was 
a Member, a domestic tempest of desperate violence, and calara- 
itOMs consequences, habitual drunkeness, a residence of several 
years amongst the Cherokee Indians, ruling amongst them as a 

^This correspondence treats of the project of joint mediation between 
Mexico and Texas, by England, France, and the United States. Aberdeen 
declined to join in this, stating England's preference to act alone. The 
enclosures were: 

(1) Smith to Aberdeen, August 19, 1842. (In Garrison, Diplomatic 
Correspondence of the Re*puhUc of Texas, III, 1011, in Am. Hist. Assoc. 
Report, 1908, II, — but the date there given is "August 15 (?)." In this 
was enclosed copy of Smith to Guizot, August 15, 1842. (In Idem., Ill, 
1387.) 

(2) Aberdeen to Cowley, No. 147, October 15, 1842. Aberdeen here 
stated that England, carrying out the plan of her treaties with Texas, 
had already offered mediation, but had met with no encouragement, and 
that since Mexico was at the moment angry at an allesced violation of 
neutrality by the United States, more might probably be accomplished 
by similar individual action, than by joint action. He enclosed to Cow- 
ley correspondence to show that there was little present prospect of 
Mexican acquiescence in the proposed mediation. These letters were: 
Aberdeen to Pakenham. Mo. 21, July 1. 1842; and No. 24, July 15, 1842; 
Pakenham to Aberrleon. No. 80 (September?). 1842. 

(3) Cowley to Aberdeen, No. 349, October 24, 1842. For comment on 
the proposed tripartite mediation, see Adams, British Interp-f'^ and Ac- 
tir>itir's in Texas, 117-119. 

=F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

'Not found. Presumably a private letter, but apparently in response 
Elliot began the series of unofficial letters to Addington, which convey 
his personal impressions and opinions in regard to Texan matters. He 
no doubt understood that these letters were to reach the foreign office, 
and in fact they were filed with the formal, official despatches addressed 
to Aberdeen. 



126 Texas State Jlistoncal Assocw.iion 

Chieftain, and begetting sons and daughters, a sudden reappear- 
ance on this Stage with better hopes and purposes, and commen- 
surate success, but still with unreclaimed habits. 

Finally however, a new Connexion with a young and gentle 
woman brought up in the fear of God; conquered no doubt as 
women have been from the beginning and will be to the end by 
a glosing tongue, but in good revenge making conquest of his 
habits of tremendous cursing, and passionate love of drink. What- 
ever General Houston has been, it is plain that He is the fittest 
man in this Country for his present station. His education has 
been imperfect, but he possesses great sagacity and penetration, 
surprising tact in his management of men trained as men are in 
these parts, is perfectly pure handed and moved in the main by 
the mspiring motive of desiring to connect his name with a 
Nation's rise. Adverting to his general safe and reasonable pol- 
icy with respect to Mexico, it must certainly be admitted that 
He sometimes says and writes what appears to be capricious and 
contradictory. 

But the truth is that He knows his own people thoroughly, and 
when He seems to be running with them. He is prohably satisfied 
that opposition would only provoke their precipitate purposes. 
Witli hard fare at the point of assembly, skilful delays on the part 
of the President, and an abundant measure of mutual laudation, 
the fit passes away innocently enough. — 

You desire me to remark that the release of the "Montezuma," 
and the disallowance of the Blockade are not to be taken as evi- 
dences of ill will to Texas or partiality to Mexico There will be 
no diflficulty in making the President understand this because his 
conceptions are founded upon larger notions of direct motives, and 
straiglit proceedings than those of most men in this Eepublic. In 
regard to the public, the case is different. The suspiciousness of 
the United States races, and absurd imputation of the policy and 
conduct of our Government to recondite Motives, and perfidious 
purposes, afford unhappily the most convincing and distressing 
proof of their own twistiness and unfriendly feeling. They can- 
not believe in open or fair dealing, because, speaking generally, 
they are without the ideas or impulses which makes such conduct 
intelligible. The consequence of this moral and blundering blind- 
ness is manifesting itself just now amongst the good folks of 



British Correspoitdence Concerning Tcvos 127 

Texas in a pretty general belief that Her Majesty's Government 
are sitting early and late in London, debating to and fro, how to 
compass the strangulation of this young Hercules, and it is prob- 
able that we shall have some songs to that tune during the ap- 
proaching Session of Congress. 

Driven away by some of those springs of local politics, feuds 
and jealousies, which run into such long streams of talk and 
knavis[h]ness, on this side of the Atlantic, and are so insignifi- 
eent and unintelligible every where else, the President has con- 
vened Congress to assemble at Washington on the Brazos, where 
there are 12 or 13 Wooden shanties, and to which place there are 
no means of getting except in an ox train, or on a Bat horse. My 
worthy American Colleague Mr. Eve, who is suffering from indis- 
position, has requested me to wait till He is well enough to accom- 
pany me, for the sake of Company, and better protection against 
Indians, or Mexicans, or wild beasts, and we are then to set forth 
to this Legislature in the Provinces with such appointments to do 
Honor to our respective Countries, as may find place in two pair 
of Saddle Bags. — The President writes to me in a private Note 
a few days since, that He finds things at Washington rather raw 
and as He has been accustomed to the elaborate comforts and lux- 
uries of an Indian Wigwam, I presume he must be living in a 
commodious excavation. 

Meditating on the situation and prospect of this Country, and 
other interests connected with it, I cannot help lamenting more 
and more that free labor has not been its foundation Stone. The 
advantages to the Country itself would have been vast indeed, not 
merely on the results springing from Men's sense that they were 
laboring for their own and their Childrens' advantage, not merely 
in beginning upon sound, instead of rotten principles, not merely 
in dravdng to the land much larger proportions of the orderly and 
enterprizing settlers from the free States of the American Union 
rather than the reckless people of the South, but because imme- 
diately considered it would have left Texas clear of a very dan- 
gerous state of circumstances, if the Mexicans do invade the Coun- 
try, and indeed I cannot but think that to have made Texas a fine 
State, would have been at once to disarm the hostility of Mexico 
against it's consolidation, and advancement. 

Texas, with a free population would of course have been an 



1?8 Texas State Historicnl Association 

object of great dislike and suspicion to the South Western States 
of America, and therefore an effectual barrier between them and 
Mexico. And it is manifestly the permanent interest of this 
Country to cultivate more intimate and friendly relations with the 
people and things AVestward of the Rio Grande, than with those 
East of the Sabine. If wise Councils could be heard here, T think 
they point to a course which it may not yet be too late to pursue, 
and which I do fairly believe would be attended witli vast advan- 
tages to this Country, to our own substantial concernment, and to 
the great interests of humanity. My scheme supposes another 
Convention in this Country. Slavery to be abolished, the entire 
abolition of political disabilities upon people of Colour, perfectly 
free trade to be declared to be a fundamental principle; the right 
of voting to depend upon a knowledge of reading and writing, and 
a pretty high money contribution to the State, with the payment 
charge to be made in advance. Congress to have power to lower 
the rate from time to time according to the state of the public 
necessities; stringent legislation against squatting, in the form of 
a land tax and otherwise, improvements upon the well established 
failure and folly of a yearly elected Legislature and other liberal- 
ity of the rhodomontade school. 

It seems to be scarcely doubtful that the Northern tind North 
Eastern part of Mexico, from Tampico on the East Coast, to San 
Bias on the West, (involving the most important parts of the 
Country) would soon find it their interest to join a State founded 
upon such principles, or at all events constrain their own Govern- 
ment with the adoption of an equally liberal scheme of Commer- 
cial policy. 

Foreign Merchants, foreign Capital, and foreign enterprize and 
principles would soon find their way into those great and rich 
regions by peaceful means, and the power of the United States 
on this Continent would be gradually balanced, and yet without 
motive for collision; Indeed it seems possible enough that the 
North Eastern States would not be disturbed to see the power of 
the South and West effectually limited, and a bound marked, be- 
yond which Slavery could not advance. In all such speculation 
the question immediately presents itself how it is reasonable to 
expect that a Legislature of Slave Holders vvdll ever consent to 
make a present sacrifice for a prospective and remote advantage. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 129 

I have had much experience of such bodies and I know that they 
talk violently of holding on to their property to the last gasp, of 
the lawfulness of the System, of the sanction of it in the Bible, 
Abraham's Slaves. J. L.' and then there are always many hard 
words about Irish Slaves and press gangs and the like. But in 
the main, their circumstances make them a timid and needy people, 
and ready enough to compound reasonably for a monied consid- 
eration 

Neither do I doubt that a sufficient loan could be readily raised 
in England to enable this Government to compensate the present 
Slave Holders, upon the frank and full adoption of such a system 
as I have spoken of. I attach great importance to the entire 
abolition of disability upon people of Colour. Such a Stipulation 
would at once bring into this Republic tens of thousands of most 
abused and intelligent people from the United States, and would 
be exceedingly agreeable to a very influential and wealthy party 
in our own Country. The present conjuncture is particularly 
favorable for the Commercial part of the scheme, by reason of the 
late foolish tarifl; in the United States.- Your kind note has 
enabled me to trouble you with new thoughts, inadequately ex- 
pressed, and clumsily thrown together, but I beg you to believe 
not hastily adopte,d. In a former part of my Official career I had 
much reason to think upon the subject of Slavery, and to watch 
it's effects, and I have long since formed the opinion that bad as 
it is to the enslaved, it is ten times worse to the enslaver, and to 
the Country in which it obtains. It is a rot at the heart of 
society, debasing the Master Classes more and more, robbing pros- 
perity of all sense of security, and frightfully aggravating the 
calamities and the risks of adversity. 

I am perfectly sensible that it does not consist with the prin- 
ciples or policy of Her Majesty's Government to interfere with 
the Institutions of other Countries, and I feel I need scarcely say 
to you that situated as I am I should guardedly abstain from 
offering any opinion here upon this Subject. If I were approached 
upon it, and you are perfectly aware that it is just one of those 

^Meaning uncertain. Possibly should be read V. L., meaning vide 
locu7n; or I. L., meaning in loco. 

-The tariff of August, 1842, which raised duties above twenty per cent. 



130 Texas State Historical Association 

topics upon which the motives and purposes of H. M. Governt. 
are so absurdly misconceived about, I should say, that Her Maj- 
esty's Government would of course expect a faithful fulfilment of 
the Slave treaty with this or any other Counti}', that the abhor- 
rence of the British Nation to the system of Slavery in The 
Queen's Dominions, had been manifested before the whole world 
by a costly sacrifice, but that nothing could be further from the 
intentions of Her Majesty's Government than to interfere with 
the Institutions of other Countries. It has occurred to me that 
it might be useful if Lord Aberdeen would be pleased to give me 
authority to pay a visit to Mexico on leave of absence, if I saw 
reason to think that my representations on that question might 
smooth away some of the difficulty in the adjustment of this mis- 
ehevious contest, but in making this remark I take the liberty to 
say that I have no personal wishes upon the subject, and have 
merely mentioned it because I consider it my duty to declare what- 
ever I think may be of advantage to the public Service. I feel 
assured that you will accept this declaration literally. 

It is the bare truth that personally speaking I am weary of 
going and coming, and would think it my greatest blessing if I 
had when [been] invitted to sit down (upon the most modest foot- 
ing) for the rest of my days very far off from public life or poli- 
tics of any kind. I hope you will not consider this tedious letter 
to be an intrusion, that the conjuncture with respect to this 
Country is so important that I conclude you will be content to 
hear [more] advice upon the subject, than might be the case, if 
it had passed through it's troubles. 

Charles Elliot. 
To H. U. Addington, Esqr. etc. 

P. S. If any North American IMails should come to you after 
the arrival of this one conveying these letters without communica- 
tions from me, perhaps you will be so good as to ascribe the omis- 
sion to my absence at Washington. Communications between that 
place and the Coast are quite uncertain. — May I beg you to offer 
my best respects to Lord Aberdeen and Lord Canning 

Charles Elliot 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 131 

KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^ 

Liverpool, ISTovember 16th, 1843. 
Sir. 

I beg to inform you that I shall embark today at Liverpool for 
New Orleans, on my way to my post at Galveston. 

William Kennedy. 
John Bidwell, Esq. etc. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Secret. Galveston November 16th. 1842. 

My Lord, 

A private letter from the President of which the inclosed is a 
copy has this moment reached me, and as the Steam Boat is 
upon the point of sailing to New Orleans, I have no tim.e to offer 
any observations upon the Subject; but it must be unnecessary to 
say to Your Lordship that I am prepared for any Service which 
may be committed to me. 

The indisposition of my Colleague Mr. Eve has detained me 
here at his request till He should be well enough to accompany 
me to Washington, where however v>e shall proceed in the course 
of a day or two. 

Affairs remain in the Situation reported in my last despatches. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. etc. 

HOUSTON TO ELLIOT^ 

[Enclosure.] 

Private. Washington 5th. November 1843 

My Dear Sir. 

I am about to present a suggestion to You, and I hope it will 
claim your indulgent consideration. It is quite novel in it's char- 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 
HhuL, Vol. 4. 
Hhid. 



132 Texas State Historical Association 

acter and would to one, not perfectly acquainted with my direct 
way of business, require some apology. 

You are aware of my intense anxiety for peace with Mexico. 
To obtain it I do not care to pursue formal means. I know 
of no Gentleman, whose agency in my estimation would go farther 
in the attainment of the object than your own were it possible to 
obtain A'our personal Services. Should it be agreeable for you 
to be so employed I am well aware that the permission of Your 
Government (of Her Majesty The Queen) will be necessary. This 
you could do, if you may deem it proper, and the sacrifice is not 
too great upon your part. I can claim nothing on behalf of My 
Country or myself individually of Captain Elliot, but I desire to 
hope everything for Texas. 

I had the pleasure to peruse your despatch to the State Depart- 
ment, and regret the bearing which attached to a portion of the 
protest. It will be rectified forthwith. It v/as owing as I pre- 
sume to a misapprehension of the revocation of the Blockade on 
the part of the Acting Secretary of State, as I feel pretty well 
assured, that as the Archives had not arrived, that He could not 
refer to the Proclamation, and I am not certain, as He had been 
absent that He had ever seen it; as we had no Mails to the East- 
ward, where He was at the time it was promulgated. 

Xothing conclusive has been heard of the treaty with the In- 
dians, but as usual I hope for the best. 

As Congress is called to convene on the 14th Inst, it will afford 
me great pleasure to see Her Majesty's Charge d'Aff aires. It will 
be of much importance to Texas if you could be here one or two 
days previous to the 14th. 

Mrs. H. as well as myself have been quite indisposed for some 
ten or fifteen days, but are now pretty well with a hope of better 
health. 

It will afford me much pleasure to hear from you by Mr. Scott 
on his return. I have many thanks to render you for past favors. 

And beseech you to regard me as faithfully Thine. 

Sam. Houston. 
The Honble. Charles Elliot, etc. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 133 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 15.2 Houston. November 24th. 1842. 

My Lord. 

In reply to Your Lordship's despatch No. 16 of the 18th Ultimo, 
I have now the honor to transmit the requested infonnation, and 
I remain. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Eight Honorable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. etc. 



^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

=No. 14, Elliot to Aberdeen, acknowledging rec-'^ipt of dispatches, is 
omitted. 



134 



T'exa^ State Historical Assockition 



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British Correspondence Concerning Texas 135 

The whole force came out under American Colours, as Mer- 
chant Vessels, bringing freight and Passengers; But with their 
Armament in their respective holds, completely fitted, and ready 
to go into their places; Powder, shot, stores, and provisions, for 
six Months. 

With the exception of the Steamer "Zavala" the whole Squad- 
ron was supulied by the firm of "Wm. Dawson & Co, of Balti- 
more" ; British Subjects by birth, but I am unable to say whether 
they have not assumed the privileges of Citizens of the United 
States. 

The Steam Vessel Zavala was supplied by Samuel Hamilton of 
Charleston 

Charles Elliot. 
Houston N"ovr. 24th. 1842. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. Deer. 3. 1842. 

Captn. Elliot. 
No. 19. 
Sir, 

I have to acquaint You in reply to Your Despatch No. 5 of the 
1st of September, addressed to Mr. Addington, that under the 
circumstances therein stated, H. M's Govt, approve of Your resid- 
ing usually at Galveston, instead of Austin; And in the present 
unsettled state of the Country, I leave it to your discretion to 
reside, according to circumstances, wherever You may consider 
Your presence most conducive to the Interests intrusted to Your 
Charge. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEX^ 

Private. Galveston. December 11th, 1842. 

My Dear Sir. 

Since I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 15th Ultimo, 
I have been to Washington, but my stay there was shortened by 
the necessity of returning for advice and care on account of a bad 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. 
*F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 



136 Texas State llistoncnl Association 

accident which befell me on the way up — The Steam boat in which 
we were going to Houston struck the ground at night, and the 
tarpaulin leaven within me moved me to go out, and watch the peo- 
ple heaving her off. A hatch had been carelessly left open, and I 
stepped down into the hold; a friendly bale of cotton bringing 
me up with just jerk enough to dislocate a rib. 

For the first day or two I did not feel the pain very acutely, and 
being anxious to see the President, I thought that with fast brac- 
ing, and lacing, and gentle riding I might bear the stress of the 
journey, but I find now that it would have been more prudent to 
take the Doctor's urgent advice, and abide at Houston. At least 
•50 Miles of the way was through a quick sandy bog, and rough 
riding, and a Blanket on the plank (which last retirement I pre- 
ferred to half Judge his bed!!) have not helped me. However I 
am one of the best practised men of my time to strange accidents, 
and hard rubs of all kinds, and I hope to come straight enough 
again, for all that is come and gone. 

I found as I anticipated that the President needed no explana- 
tion respecting the release of the "Montezuna" and the disallow- 
ance of the blockade. He said he would detail to me what he 
understood to be the Motives of Her Majesty's Government, and 
He had certainly perfectly apprehended them. Being upon the 
topic, He requested me to present his Compliments to Lord Aber- 
deen, and say that the tone of Mr. Ashbell Smith's correspondence 
relating to the release of the "Montezuna" had been a Subject of 
much concern to him. That Gentleman's natural and laudable 
anxiety for the interests of his Country had rather hurried and 
misled him, but He owed it to him to state that his subsequent 
communications to Texas had frankly and fully admitted his own 
error.^ The President for his own part knew the British Govern- 
ment never meant any thing else than it said, and never performed 
less than it promised. He had the most abiding confidence in the 
Xeutral professions, and very friendly dispositions of Her Maj- 
estvs Government. 



'No evidence has been found that Smith made such an admission, but 
Houston did mildly state his disapproval of Smith's vigor in the affair 
of the Montezuma and Guadalupe (Terrell to Smith, December 7, 1842. 
Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the RepuiUc of Texas, III, 1057; 
in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 137 

He then took occasion to place in my hand a letter marked 
"Private and Confidential" from General Hamilton dated at 
Washington in the United States sometime in the Month of Octo- 
her.i T^lig^l Gentleman stated that He had recently had some Con- 
versation with General Almonte, the Mexican Minister in the 
United States, upon the subject of the difficulties between Mexico 
and Texas, and thought He was reasonably disposed, rather 
than otherwise. General Hamilton concludes with the offer to 
be useful through that Channel, in any way that the President 
might suggest. The President wished it to be said to Lord Aber- 
deen that He entirely disclaimed this interference upon the part 
of General Hamilton. He [Houston] had direct official relations 
with this Government, [Great Britain] disposed to be helpful to 
Texas, and He considered it particularly due to Lord Aberdeen 
and to himself, to disavow all proceedings of the kind. He would 
employ no other channels of Communication than Official and 
responsible, and General Hamilton's proposal was the contrary of 
suitable or agreeable to him. As nearly as I can remember that 
was General Houston's express language, and He particularly 
requested that it should be conveyed to Lord Aberdeen as soon as 
convenient. I mentioned to him (with reference to his private 
letter to me forwarded in my Second Despatch to Lord Aberdeen 
of the 16th Ultimo) that I had sent it to England, and was of 
course ready for any course Her Majesty's Government might 
sanction. 

He expressed himself very obligingly to me, and said that He 
had a belief that my visit to Mexico would be productive of ad- 
vantage to this Country, and further the purposes of Her Maj- 
esty's Government. Whilst I was at Washington I spoke both to 
the President and the Attorney General upon the absolute neces- 
sity of adjusting the long delayed claims for the "Eliza Eussell" 
and "Little Pen." They both assured me that the first should be 
settled as soon as the Governt. could lay its hand upon a few dol- 
lars, which I must know they had not done since my arrival in 
the Country. With respect to the second, Mr. Terrell shewed me 
an opinion He had given just before my arrival upon a claim pre- 

'See two letters from Hamilton to Houston, November 6 and 25, 1842, 
in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, I, 638- 
640; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1907, II. 



1.38 Texas State Historical Association 

ferred by the Agents of Mesr. F. Lizardi, and Co., and excused 
himself and the Secy, of State for not acknowledging my note 
upon the subject, upon the plea of absence from the Seat of Gov- 
ernment, and the removal of the papers from Houston. He did 
not say so, but I have otherwise reason to believe that they hoped 
to have been able to settle the claim for the "Eliza Russell" before 
this, and I presumed that they were averse to write till they could 
promise payment upon that account. 

The case of the "Little Pen" is not free of difficulty, but it will 
be my duty to communicate upon this Subject Officially by the 
next opportunity, and therefore I say no more at present. These 
despatches carry you the President's Message to Congress.^ He 
did me the favor to read it to me before it was submitted, and 
asked me what I thought of his finance scheme. I told him I was 
a very inadequate judge of such matters, but I must frankly admit 
that I could not think it would be efficacious. It appeared to me 
that the Cherokee land was no sufficient basis for the support of 
the Exchequer Bills in the Market. In the present state of this 
Country there was no raising funds upon the best improved land 
in the Republic; with the best titles, and in the least disturbed 
parts of it and therefore, casting no disparagement upon the Cher- 
okee lands, it certainly seemed to me that their value was of rather 
too prospective a nature to serve as a solid foundation for an 
actiial paper issue. So far as I could judge from all I had seen, 
or read, the single course for a Governt. and Country in the Sit- 
uation of Texas was to be as economical as possible, to adhere 
with unfailing honesty to the declaration, and determination to 
pay their debts whenever they could, and to promote trade and 
industry by eveiT means of encouragement. 

In this view I had much hoped that the President would advise 
Congress to repeal the dishonest Bill of the July Session,- which 
would have the effect of making the Exchequer Notes receivable 
for Customs Imposts at their full value, then I thought that with 
resolutions of Congress forbidding the issue of another Dollar 

^President Houston's message is dated December 1, 1842. (Journals of 
the House of Representatives of the Seventh Congress of the Republic of 
Texas, 10-28.) 

Tlie bill referred to by Elliot is "An a«t to r^ulate the collection of 
impost duties," approved July 23, 1842. (Gammel, Laws of Texas, II, 
812.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 139 

until the whole amount in circulation fell within such an amount 
as would be absorbed by the duties within a period of three Months, 
and future monthly publicity of the amount issued, and the 
amount absorbed, He might expect to keep up the value within 
some reasonable distance of a specie value. I had also hoped to 
see a recommendation to sweep away the ton-nage duty, which was 
no more than a device to prevent ships from coming to Texas, and 
to enhance the value of imports to a people that could ill enough, 
afford to pay for them at the minimum price, at which they could 
be supplied. The tariff too at it's present rate (an average of nt 
least 35 per Cent over the general mass of imports) might be low- 
ered more than 50 per Cent, with great advantage to the revenue, 
and to the Consumer — And I could not [help] thinking it, would 
be worthy of his general wise course of policy to advise Congress 
to declare that it was expedient to lower the tariff to such a point 
as would serve to pay the expence of noting exports and imports 
for Statistical purposes and no more, as soon as the people had 
the common sense to pay their land and direct taxes, so that the 
Government m.ight be supported in the way best suited to them 
on we""] understood interests. 

The President required that the Custom duties at their present 
high rate should be paid in Gold and Silver, but I could not per- 
ceive how the Merchants were to get their Gold and Silver. They 
could only purchase it by bringing in less goods, and He must 
excuse me for saying (seeing that I was weak of stomach, and 
could not easily digest the modification of Sawdust, which they 
call "Corn bread", that is bread made of Indian Corn) that flour, 
and coffee, and sugar, and clothes, were to the full as useful as 
Gold and Silver. The Merchants were already obliged to wait 
nearly two years for the produce returns for the goods they sup- 
plied to the Planters, and if those goods was to be charged with 
25 per Cent more in the price, which would be at least necessary 
to cover the cost of the Gold and Silver duty payment, it seemed 
to me that they would all find a remedy for the mischief, by keep- 
ing the whole trade of the Country the wrong side of the Custom 
Houses. 

The President answered this with a form of expression which 
He often uses — "My dear Commodore as soon as I have hung a 



140 Texas State Historical Af<sociaiion 

dozen of theso Smugglers, we will have no more of it; only let 
me execute them, Sir, and we shall get onr revenues quite stead- 
ily." I said that I did not pretend to dispute that hanging might 
be a very good thing in it's way, but I remarked that a very vener- 
able Sovereign in whose Dominions I had passed several years 
of my life, and where the Laws were generally respected to the 
full as energetically as they are disregarded in other places, had 
tried the experiment of hanging, drawing and quartering for this 
peccadillo, wholly without effect. I believe He would be disposed 
to admit on reflection that the history of the whole world had 
found that Smuggling had always beat various fiscal systems, after 
immense loss, and great mischief of other kinds to the Govern- 
ments and people where they had obtained. He shook his head 
at this, and was not prepared to agree with me — the truth is that 
General Houston has two sides to his understanding, one very 
clear indeed, and the other impenetrably dark. Let him speak of 
men, on public affairs, or the tone and temper of other Govern- 
ments, and no one can see farther, or more clearly. The moment 
He turns to finance or fiscal arrangements, you find that he has 
been groping on the dark side of his mind. 

I feel that I should offer you an excuse for troubling you so 
long upon this topic, but I cannot but think that it is an object 
of very considerable importance that this Country (situated as 
it is), should be launched upon sound principles in this respect. 
With Mexico upon one side, and the United States upon the other, 
it is much to be wished they should establish their own Commercial 
footing upon a sound basis. — A subject upon which General Hous- 
ton's policy and personal feeling is particularly honorable and wise 
ie the treatment of the Indians. He has adverted to it with his 
usual liberality on this occasion, and I cannot help thinking that 
it would fortify him in such purpose, and be attended with good 
general consequences, if Lord Aberdeen would notice that point 
in any manner that might seem suitable to His Lordship. — The 
most tremendous crime of these modern times is the treatment of 
the Indians on this Continent. Eobbers and Murderers pronounce 
that the civilized man cannot live in peace with the Indian, and 
the whole Christian world accepts the precious falsehood, as one 
of the undeniable and inscrutable truth? of God's way upon Earth. 
In at least eight eases out of ten, the I'lrst perfidy as well as the 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 141 

first rapine is on the side of the Civilized savage, and then of 
course, there is nothing for it but to kill these poor wretches, or 
to be killed by them. 

I am cordially for the President's favorite remedy in the case 
of outrage to Indians. You will judge by the general tone of His 
Message that we are in a sorry, and very inflamed condition, but 
they do not appear to be in a much sounder state in Mexico, and 
sure I am that Texian means of defence are more to be depended 
upon, than Mexican means of offence. — But it would be a wise and 
a great policy to put peace between them, starting this Country 
upon principles that would gradually detach her from the United 
States connexion, and bind her to the Countries South West of 
Her, enduringly — Eeflection strengthens me in the persuasion that 
such a combination is practicable, — and I hope I am not stepping 
beyond my place in expressing the opinion, that it is a policy rec- 
ommended by very high considerations. 

Free labor, and a steady Government at this point, would make 
it a station of great interest, on a theatre of great and growing 
importance. I am almost ashamed to forward you this letter, but 
with a hard hand at the best, I would add, that it is painful to 
me . . .^ much just now, and I write with more difficulty 
than usual. Eequesting your excuse — 

And begging you to present my respects to Lord Aberdeen, and 
Lord Canning. 

Charles Elliot. 
H. U. Addingtou, Esqre. etc. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN- 

No. 18. Galveston December. 14th. 1842 

My Lord, 

During my recent visit to Washington I took an opportunity to 
call Mr. Terrell's attention to the note which I had addressed to 
this Government on the 26th September upon the sul;^','ct of the 

^Illegible. 

-F. 0., Texas, VoL 4. No. 16, Elliot to Aberdeen, enclosing Houston's 
Message of December 1, 1842; and No. 17, enclosing copy of letter Terrell 
to Elliot, October 16, 1842, are omitted. 



142 Texas State Historical Association 

claims for the "Eliza Russell" and "Little Pen."^ He requested 
that the removal of the Government from Houston, and Mr. 
Jones's and his own absence on other service might excuse the 
want of reply to that communication, but I was assured both by 
the President and himself that there was great anxiety to adjust 
the claim for the "Eliza Eussell" and that the destitute condition 
of the Treasury was the sole obstacle in that respect. Mr. Terrell 
then shewed me an opinion which he had given as Attorney Gen- 
eral upon the claim of the "Little Pen" submitted by Messrs. 
Lizardi and Cos. Agents, some short time before I arrived in the 
Country, and the Inclosed is a copy of a note which I have sub- 
sequently addressed to him.^ 

In the shape that the case had assumed I felt it incumbent upon 
myself to enter into it at length, and to endeavour to explain the 
grounds upon which it must now be considered and adjusted 

I shall continue to press the arrangement of both these claims 
with the urgency prescribed in Your Lordship's Instructions; but 
there can be no doubt of the disposition of this Government to 
settle the first as soon as it is in a situation to do so, and I hope 
that the exposition I have now submitted may have the effect of 
removing all difficulty respecting the other. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen K. T. etc. 

ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON' 

Private. Galveston December 16th. 1843 

My Dear Sir. 

In the situation of affairs here I conjecture that you will always 
be glad to hear at the latest date that there is no change for the 
worse — if none for the better. And I will only say upon my own 
part, that it is no love of long letter writing which has disposed 
me to trouble you at what I am afraid you may consider an uncon- 
scionable length upon the topics of my present correspondence, but 

^See Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, HI, 
1022-1023; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 

-Ibid., Ill, 1058-1062. Elliot to Terrell. December 13. 1842. 
»F. O.. Texas, Vol. 4. 



Briiisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 143 

on very serious impression that the subject is of much moment, 
and that the crisis for it's conclusive and advantageous treatment 
is at hand, and may soon pass away. 

Thus impressed I use the freedom to say that it was pleasant 
to me to find that Lord Aberdeen had declined the proposal of a 
triple Mediation,^ In my poor judgment there is no advantage 
to be derived from any association with the Government of the 
United States in that matter. 

They are ill liked by the Mexicans, and there seems reason to 
doubt their own earnestness, or sincerity upon the subject of a 
recognition of Texian independence by Mexico. The N". E. and 
free States probably believe that the Independence and progress 
of Texas upon the present footing with respect to Slavery, would 
be the next most inconvenient thing (so far as their weight in 
the Union is considered) to it's formal annexation. The S. W. 
States have always frankly desired it's annexation. 

The people of Texas are gasping for peace, and the best bidder. 
I believe that the only safe solution would be a formal offer upon 
the part of Her Majesty's Government to Texas, to secure the close 
of this contest upon the basis of It's consenting to place Itself in 
a position of real Independence, by an immediate and thorough 
organization of It's social, political and Commercial Institutions 
and policy upon sound, and independent principles; an[d] further 
offering every reasonable facility to England to negociate such a 
loan as would be necessary to accomplish the proposed objects. 

So far as I can see there is no choice between this, and the vir- 
tual, early, and permanent lapse of Texas within the sphere of 
United States influence, and policy ; and I cannot help adding 
here, that I do not believe that the Government and people of the 
United States have just or Moderate purposes with respect to 
Mexico. To put Texas between them with a steadily constituted 

'Ashbel Smith, on instructions from Anson Jones, had proposed to 
France in July, 1842, that she join with Great Britain and the United 
States in urging Mexico to make peace with Texas. Guizot approved the 
plan and suggested it to Aberdeen, but the latter preferred to liave 
Great Britain act separately, and declined the overture in October, 1842. 
(Adams, British Tnteresis and Actiinties in Texas, 117-119.) On De- 
cember 7, 1842, Elliot, in a private letter to Houston, stated Aberdeen's 
refusal, and transmitted the substance of the correspondence between 
England and France. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Re- 
puUic of Texas, I, 637, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1907, II.) 



144 Texas State Historical Association 

Governt. upon a non Slavery principle, with a considerable Col- 
oured population, perfectly free of political disabilities, and a Com- 
mercial policy of the most liberal description is the best barrier 
that I believe the nature of circumstances offers against conse- 
quences and encroachments in my mind deliberately intended, and 
which may be much nearer than they appear to be. 

The chance of the permanent re-establishment of Mexican Au- 
thority in Texas is gone, but another effort in that sense upon the 
part of Mexico, in the utterly depressed condition of this Country 
will possibly throw it back upon the United States, and that is 
the end which would probably best please the present Cabinet at 
Washington, and most assuredly the whole of the S. W. part of 
the Union. 

But Texas, differently established would put an end to all com- 
bination of that kind, and be a very helpful weight in the preserva- 
tion of peace, and a Just balance of power on this Continent. I 
cannot help thinking that money lent to put an end to Slavery 
in a South West direction in America; and to give a place and a 
voice to the Coloured races, would render as profitable returns as 
money spent for fortresses and Militar}^ works on the Northern 
frontier of the United States. We should have those Mens hearts 
with us beyond the third and fourth generation. 

Texas would be effectually separated from the United States of 
the Union, and a liberal Commercial policy would as effectually 
detach it from the N. E. States infected by a spirit of Commercial 
hostility to Great Britain, and this last principle efficaciously 
worked out would soon relax the self injurious fiscal system of 
Mexico. 

Charles Elliot. 
To H. U. Addington, Esqr. etc. 
P. S. 

I have this moment heard from Houston that a small party of 
our Texian levies have advanced to the Eio Grande, and I caD 
have no doubt that they will do no manner of good there. The 
President has done what He could to prevent this folly, but it 
needs other checks there than that, and I think it is safe to proph- 
ecy that it will find them. This report has reached us with more 
solidity than most we have had from that quarter, upon the same 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 145 

subject, and eventually, it may be entirely false. There is not 
much truth running about our natural roads in Texas. 

ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ 

Private. Galveston Deer. 28th. 1843 

My Dear Sir, 

Since I had the pleasure of writing to you last, we have received 
President Tyler's Message to the Congress of the United States. 
I collect from that document that their difficulties with Mexico are 
in course of adjustment, and by the bye either my solitary life is 
cheating my imagination, or that Message is a very noticeable in- 
strument, both in point of significancy, and the time of the appear- 
ance of such matter. The President closes his paragraph concern- 
ing the general relations with European Powers with an observa- 
tion, which I cannot help thinking might have more frankly found 
it's place at the head of the succeeding Section of the Message. 

It has a tang of Texas and Mexico, and is certainly worthy of 
attention both for coolness of purpose, and dryness of expression — 
"Carefully abstaining from all interference in question [s] exclu- 
sively referring themselves to the political interests of Europe, we 
may be permitted to hope an equal exemption from the interfer- 
ence of European Governments in what relates to the States of the 
American Continent."^ 

Bolting the bran, I presume this means that United States poli- 
ticians and financiers mislike disturbance on the little Island, form- 
ing the Continent of North and South America. But it is pos- 
sible that this pretension of United States policy may not be 
equally acceptable to all "the States of the American Continent." 
There is room to suspect that some of the States of the American. 
Continent have no particular confidence in Washington purposes, 
and no desire to cast off all other friendship in peace, or alliances 
in War. Be that as it may, it is pleasant to observe how consid- 
erately Mr. Tyler has blended the Civil with the decided in this 
"Bon Soir" to European influence in this quarter of the globe. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 

^President Tyler's message to Congress, December 7, 1842. (Richard- 
son, Messages and Papers of the Presidents, IV, 197.) Elliot's quota- 
tion is slightly inaccurate. 



146 Texas State Historical Association 

His self permission to hope for "an equal exemption from the inter- 
ference of European Governments in what relates to the States of 
the American Continent" is a fine instance of the Multum in parvo 
in comprehensive political discussion. 

Washington on the Potomac is the place of places in President 
Houston's emphatic language "A God's Earth," for great strokes 
of this kind — Washington on the Brazos has it's promise too, but 
we are giving and they get. When I read this announcement 
drumming us all ofl' this Continent, from the Artie to the Antartic, 
I could not but pull back to what had been said some distance up 
the stream of small print. There we had been instructed "that 
the question of peace or war between the United States and Great 
Britain is a question of the deepest interest, not onl}' to themselves, 
but to the Civilized world, since it is scarcely possible that the 
War could exist between them without endangering the peace of 
Christendom" 

It seems then that there is no objection to as much of United 
States influence on the Continent of Europe, as may serve to draw 
one half of it upon our backs in that contingency of deepest in- 
terest, — war between the United States and Great Britain; but 
Great Britain must pretend to no influence on the Continent of 
America. 

This is plain American, if not plain English, on the occasion of 
the earliest possible formal declaration after the publication of the 
late Treaty,^ that the Oregon territory is an open question, and 
pari passu with marked approbation of General Cass for volun- 
teering to trip up arrangements at Paris, known to be agreeable to 
the British Government and Nation.- Living I may almost say 
in the United States, and with my attention constantly fixed upon 
a subject in which United States feeling and assistance are exer- 

^Treaty of Washington, signed at Washington, August 9. 1842. 

"On Decpmber 20. 1841. the Quintuple treaty for the suppression of the 
African slave trade had been signed at London by England, France, 
Prussia, Austria, and Russia. The treaty gave to each nation a right to 
search vessels of the other nations signing the treaty. Lewis Cass, Amer- 
ican representative at Paris, protested against this, wrote a pamphlet 
upon the matter of right of search, and appealed to France with such 
effect that the French government refused to ratify the treaty. For the 
treaty, see British and Foreign State Papers, XXX, 269. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 147 

cising so powerful an effect, I hope to be excused for these re- 
flections 

There is no thinking or writing of Texas without adverting to 
United States politics, and impulses, and I must frankly say that 
so far as I can judge the late Treaty with Great Britain is gen- 
erally considered in the United States to be no more than a truce 
into which it has been convenient for them to enter till our hands 
are full in other parts of the World, and their own credit and 
finances have recovered themselves. The Gtovernment no doubt 
has more honest purposes than the general body of the people. As 
the Government of the United States is the creation of a great ' 
majority. In fact, the land, through it's whole length and breadth 
is infected with the plague of party politics, and electioneering. 
It is not principles that are a question in that great republic, but 
the monstrously exaggerated virtues and wisdom of Henr}^, John, 
or Thomas, and the still more hideously exaggerated views and 
folly of Martin, James or Peter. Upon those themes, and for the 
sake of party success, the Country is in a perpetual ferment, and 
nothing steady or just can be depended upon at the hands of the 
Government 

Weighing all the circumstances Mdthin my reach of judgment, 
and particularly the undoubted temper of our neighbours East of 
the Sabine, I certainly do think it is an object of considerable 
moment to Her Majesty's Government that this Texas question 
should be firmly and steadily settled, and I lean to the opinion 
that it is in the power of Her Majesty's Government (so far as 
Texas is concerned) to effect an eligible arrangement Monsieur 
de CremieP the new French Charge d'Affaires to our Court arrived 
here a week since. He told me it was generally reported at New 
Orleans in respectable circles that the British Govnt. had refused 
to take part in the Mediation proposed by Mr. Ashbell Smith,^ 
and asked if this were so. Finding that He had received no de- 
spatches since He left France, and that He was going up to see 
the President (of Texas) at Washington, probably under mistaken 
impressions, I begged him to peruse Lord Aberdeen's correspond- 

^Vicomte Jules de Cramayel, French charge d'aflFaires in Texas, 1842- 
1844. 

=See note, page 143. 



148 Texas State Historical Association 

ence with Lord Cowley^ upon that subject, which would not only 
explain to him the feelings of Her Majesty's Government, but of 
his own too; and enable him to judge how little credit was to be 
attached to New Orleans reports. 

Congress is still in Session, or I should say, in confusion, for 
the Members from Western Texas, angry at the removal of the cap- 
ital from Austin have seceded. And there is just a quorum, and 
that is all, without them. In the present disturbed condition of the 
Country, it seems to me to be wished that they should all go home, 
as soon as possible. We have no tidings from the force that has 
advanced to the Rio Grande but no good can come of such folly 
as that, and it will be matter of surprize if one half of them get 
back, that is to say, supposing they do cross the Eio Grande. 

My continued concern for these tedious letters must be the co- 
herent tediousness of the subject, and the belief that you will 
desire to hear more about it, in it's present posture than you could 
do, or should do from me, if it were better settled. Requesting 
you to offer my respects to Lord Aberdeen and Lord Canning. 

Charles Elliot. 
To H. U. Addington, Esqr. etc. 

By the news from Washington this morning, I find amongst 
other notices of business before Congress. A resolution (in the 
H. of Representatives) "to instruct the Committee of Foreign re- 
lations to enquire into the expediency of annexing the Republic of 
Texas to the Ud. States."^ It is not proposed by one of our great 
men, and nothing has been done upon it yet: If there be, I 
shall of course make the Subject a nuitter of official communication 
to Lord Aberdeen. I suppose it is only put forward as a feeler. 

Charles Elliot 



^Henry Wellesley, Baron Cowley (1773-1847), British ambassador at 
Paris, 1841-1846. (Stephen, Dictionary of National Biography.) 

-On December 20th, R. Scnrry introduced the resiolution referred to by 
Elliot. (Journals of the House of Representatives of the Seventh Con- 
gress of the Republic of Texas, 89.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 149 

KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^ 

Life Cert. Circular. On board the Ship. "Ellen Brooks," 

At Sea. December 31st. 1842 
Sir. 

I have to report that, from the 16th of November to the present 
date, I have been a passenger in the Ship "Ellen Brooks," bound 
from Liverpool for New Orleans (TJ. S.) by way of which city I 
am to proceed to Galveston, Texas, there to enter upon the execu- 
tion of my duties as Her Britannick Majesty's Consul. 

William Kennedy. 
John Bidwell, Esq., etc. 

ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^ 

No. 1. Galveston January 5th 1843. 

My Lord, 

With reference to my despatches No. 10 and No. 18 of last 
year, I have now the honor to transmit to Your Lordship the 
copy of a note from Mr. Jones, the Secretary of State upon the 
subject of those communications.^ Being aware that certain re- 
spectable British Merchants here, have duties to pay into the Cus- 
tom-house in the course of a month, I propose to call upon this 
Government to let those Gentlemen hold themselves liable to me 
for the sum of $3840, presenting my acknowledgement to the 
Custom-house in satisfaction of their duties to that extent. I can 
hardly doubt that it will be in my power to satisfy the Govern- 
ment of the necessity of forthwith adjusting the claim for the 
"Eliza Russell" by these reasonable means, and indeed I take the 
liberty to submit to Your Lordship that I perceive no risk in the 
immediate advance of a sum of £700 to Mr. Joseph Russell* if 
Your Lordship shall see fit to recommend such a step to the con- 
sideration of the Treasury. The sum of £700 is specified, because 
that amount would fall so far within the extent appropriated by 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 

UUd., Vol. 6. 

^Jones to Elliot, December 24, 1842. In Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- 
spondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1063-1064; in Am. Hist. Assoc. 
Report, 1908, II. 

^Owner of the Eliza Russell. 



150 Texas State Historical Association 

Congress as to leave sufficient room for deticiency from course of 
exchange, or by any other mode of remittance that might become 
necessary arising from the manner that payment may be made. 

It has occurred to me, that Your Lordship, taking into consid- 
eration the length of time that Mr. Russell has waited for the 
adjustment of his claim, may desire to afford him some relief, and 
believing that, that may be safely extended him under the circum- 
stances now stated, I have ventured to offer this suggestion 

Charles Elliot 
To the Eight Honorable 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 2. Galveston, January 15t]L 1843. 

My Lord, 

The detention of the steam boat which conveys these despatches 
to New Orleans, enables me to forward a note of intelligence this 
morning received from Houston. It is much to be wished, that 
these confusedly reported accounts may be exaggerated, but there 
is certainly reason to apprehend that some sinister event has 
occurred. - 

I learn that Congress was to separate in the course of the en- 
suing week, and that no material alteration of the Tariff had been 
carried. 

In other particulars affairs remain in the position reported in 
my last despatches. 

Charles Elliot 
To the Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 3. Galveston, January 23rd. 1843 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 
20 of December 3rd. 1842. 

^F. 0., Texas, VoL 6. 

-This refers to the disastrous Mier expedition of December, 1842; A 
cutting is enclosed from The Houston Morning Star, January 14, 1843. 
«F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 151 

It will be observed in Mr. Jones's note^ of the 34th Ultimo 
transmitted in my despatch No. 1 of this year, that the claim of 
certain British subjects for lands in Texas will be presented to 
the consideration of Congress by the President 

Since I have been in Texas I have deemed it my duty to ex- 
amine the nature of these claims, with all the attention in my 
power, and I have formed the opinion that the Land Law of this 
Country is utterly unsustainable, violating universally received 
principles of a general nature, and carried out by Congress beyond 
the plain intention and limitations of fundamental authority, that 
is, beyond the Constitution of the Republic. - 

That instrument declares that "the protection of the public 
domain from unjust and fraudulent claims and quieting the peo- 
ple in the enjoyment of their lands is one of the great duties of 
this convention,"'^ and there upon specially provides that a certain 
grant made in behalf of John Mason of New York, by the Legis- 
lature of Coahuila and Texas in 1834, was "from the beginning 
null and void," because it was contrary to articles 4th, 12th, and 
15th of the laws of 1824 of the General Congress of Mexico, and 
because one of the said acts had for that reason by the said Gen- 
eral Congress of Mexico been declared "null and void" 

The special declaration of this case is [in] the Constitution, 
the distinct specification of the cause of the defect of that title, 
and the inherent character of that defect, prove that the Consti- 
tution never intended to concede to Congress a right to violate 
titles, and actually disturb possession, lawfully emanating from 
the Congress of Mexico. The violation of the possessions of that 
authority, and its special act, were, on the contrary the funda- 
mental grounds for the annulment of the grant declared to have 
been irregularly made to Mason in 1834. 

But the Constitution further provides that "with a view to the 
simplification of the land system and the protection of the people 
and Government from litigation and fraud a General Land Office 

^See p. 149, note 3. 

-A general resumS of the land legislation of Texas is given in Wooten 
(editor), A Comprehensive History of Texas, I, 785-848. 

'Tliroiigliout the quotations given the italics are Elliot's. Errors made 
by Elliott are corrected by bracket [] insertions, after comparison with 
Poore, Charters and Constitutions, II, 1760-1763. 



]52 Texas State Historical Association 

shall be established, where all the Land titles of the Republic shall 
be registered, and the whole territory of the Eepublic shall be sec- 
tionized in a manner [hereafter] to be prescribed by law, which 
shall enable the officers of the Government or any citizen to ascer- 
tain with certainty the lands that are vacant, and those lands 
which may be covered with valid titles" 

I certainly do not find any authority in this provision for the 
Constitution to confiscate property lawfully acquired, and partially 
possessed, under the provisions of the general law of Mexico, 
legally carried out by the legislature of Coahuila and Texas : and 
I am satisfied that the special provision of the Constitution in the 
case of Mason's grant, and the causes of that provision, plainly 
proves, that the subsequent Confiscatory enactments of Congress 
were fundamentally illegal. 

It may not be misplaced to observe here, in further proof of the 
intention and limitations of the Constitution that it provided that 
"whereas many surveys and titles [to land] have been made, 
whilst most of the people of Texas were absent from home serv- 
ing in the campaign against Bexar, it is hereby declared that all 
the surveys and locations of land made since the Act of the late 
consultation 13 Nov. 1835^ closing the Land Offices, and all titles 
to Land made since that time are and shall be null and void." 

It was not said or intended that all the contracts, surveys, and 
locations made agreeably to law before that act of Consultation 
should be null and void, but it is particularly, and justly pro- 
vided in the 16th article of the declaration of rights that "no re- 
trospective or ex post facto law or laws impairing the obligation 
of contracts, shall be made." In the short history of this Country 
it is difficult to turn to any advantage achieved, to any evil 
averted, or to any mischief foreseen or deprecated, without find- 
ing General Houston's name and weight, enlisted upon the side of 
conduct, wisdom, and justice. 

The original Land Bill and the one which forms the law of the 
land were passed in spite of his veto by the Constitutional ma- 
jority, and I cannot do better in this brief acknowledgment of 

'Date, "13 Kov. 1835," inserted by Elliot. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 153 

Your Lordship's instriictions in the despatch No. 21. than to for- 
ward copies of those sound and striking papers.^ 

I transmit also an abstract of the present Land law in which 
Yonr Lordship will observe that Congress consummated the mani- 
fest injustice of their proceedings by shutting out aliens or the 
assignees of aliens from the relief provided in the bill, for other 
claimants.^ 

Under all the circumstances of the case I have considered it 
adviseable to pause 'till I am in possession of the determination 
taken by Congress upon the claim of Messrs. Egerton, Pryor, 
O'Gorman, etc.^ and the grounds of it, before I enter at length, 
upon the subject of this most important claim, forming the sub- 
ject of Your Lordship's present instructions. But reflection leads 
me to the opinion that the firm establishment of these nnques- 
tionable rights of the Queen's subjects might most justly and con- 
veniently be made the subject of an express article, in any treaty 
concluded between this Republic and Mexico; and I would fur- 
ther submit that it might be left optional by that article, with 
the claimants, to accept a commutation in other land in this Ee- 
public, under special Government patents, or in money, as they 
may best like: The amount of Land or money compensation to 
be determined by a joint commission of persons named by the 
British Government, and by the Government of this Eepublic with 
the power of umpire in British hands. 

It will be my duty to communicate, with Your Lordship again 
at an early date upon this subject. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. 

I take this occasion to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatches 
Nos. 18 and 19 of Deer. 3. 1842 

^Two letters from Houston to the Land Office, December 21, 1836, and 
June 8, 1837. 

-Printed copy of Sections 26 and 27 of the General Land Laws. 

'These land claims, as well as the more important Beales claim, were 
based on grants obtained from Mexico, and in the opinion of Texan offi- 
cials were not valid. For the Texan view of the matter, see Jones to 
Elliot, September 19, 1843: Garrison, Diplomatic Corresponderice of the- 
Republic of Texas, III, 1129-1136, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, IL 



15-i Texas State Historical Association 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN"^ 

No. 4. Galveston, January 28th. 1843. 

My Lord, 

Since the date of my despatch No. 2 of this year (15th Janu- 
ary) I am concerned to report, that authentic information h?s 
reached this place from Matamoras via New Orleans, confirrairg 
the surrender of that portion of the Texian force, under Colonel 
Fisher, which had separated itself from the direction of the Officer 
appointed by this Government, and continued the movement be- 
yond the Rio Grande: a movement to which the disregard of the 
authority of the Officer, acting under the orders of Government 
has given a character that may be attended with very unhappy 
consequences to these prisoners. It appears that this disaster oc- 
curred at a small town called "Mier" on the right bank of the 
Eio Grande between 20 and 30 leagues above Matamoras.- I have 
not seen the Mexican report, but it can scarcely be necessary to 
say to Your Lordship, that the statement of their loss in the 
Texian account forwarded in my despatch No. 2, deserves no 
credit, 

I hear in various quarters that a volunteer expedition of some 
extent is preparing in the South Western part of the Union, with 
the purpose to make another attempt to penetrate into the North- 
ern Provinces of Mexico throvgh Upper Texas, during the approach- 
ing spring, strengthening themselves with such reinforcements as 
can be collected in the passage through Texas, and it is also said 
that a simultaneous attempt is to be made on Matamoras by sea. 

It appears to me to be proper to mention this rumour but I have 
no means of judging of it's accuracy. Indeed it is not easy for a 
person in public employment in this part of the world to deter- 
mine what of rumour ought to be stated, and what may be left 
unheeded; for whilst common report is at least as discursive and 
venturous here, as elsewhere, it is a material consideration that 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

='0n January 24, 1843, Houston wrote privately to Elliot in regard to 
the Mier prisoners. This letter was the ground of the accusations later 
made against Houston by General Thompson (Green, Journal of the Texian 
Expedition against Mier, Appendix II). For extract from the letter, see 
Elliot to Aberdeen, Secret, June 8, 1843. Enclosure 2. 



British Correspondence Cmicerning Texas 155 

Government has less control in the United States, than elsewhere: 
And strange projects and hazardous modes of operation with re- 
spect to Mexico, seem to be in the fair way of attempt, whenever 
they become the subject of general conversation. 

Perhaps Your Lordship will give me leave to add to this re- 
flection that the increasing white population of the Slave States 
(persons engaged in professions, and emigrants from Europe not 
ashamed to labor, excepted) is almost entirely without steady occu- 
pation. Unscrupulous, fearless, and enterprising, and with exag- 
gerated notions of the wealth of Mexico, it is certain that the 
project of an incursion into that Eepublic, is highly popular 
amongst the people of that part of the Union. I believe that the 
least success of one of these chance expeditions to the westward 
of the Eio Grande would be the signal for a formidable irruption 
into Mexico, of which the first stage, it is quite possible, would 
be permanent settlement as far as the mountains. 

It may be thought in some degree to sustain these reports that 
the Texian Congress during its recent session passed a Law ap- 
pointing General Eusk^ to be Major General of the forces of the 
Eepublic whenever they should be called into the field, and plac- 
ing the appropriation for military purposes at his disposition, 
irrespective of any control on the part of the President; known 
to be adverse to aggressive war against Mexico. The gentleman 
in question is an inhabitant of Eastern Texas, and it is possible 
that his nomination was considered likely to be acceptable to vol- 
unteers in the United States, preparing for the incursion into 
Mexico. The President of course returned this bill without his 
approval, but it was passed by the Constitutional Majority. 

The movements of Mexico with respect to Texas will probably 
be determined by the results in Yucatan, and Your Lordship must 
no doubt receive earlier and more trustworthy information upon 
that subject, than any that it can be in my power to transmit from 
this quarter: But in the mean time I regret to say that this 
country is bereft of resource, and the counsels best suited to its 
situation have been disregarded with disastrous consequences. 

Upon the whole, so far as I can judge, it seems clear that the 

^Thomas J. Rusk, elected by Congress in 1843 to be major-general of 
militia. 



156 Texas State Historical Association 

eager party in Texas for aggressive war, on the one side, and the 
Mexican Government on the other are rapidly accomplishing the 
purposes which the Mexican Secretary of State, in the late corre- 
spondence with the American Government,^ charges to the Cabi- 
net at Washington. The chance of the permanent re-establish- 
raent of Mexican Authority in Texas is gone, but this harasing 
mode of warfare on the part of Mexico at vast expense and dan- 
ger to itself, and this futile response on the part of Texas, present 
a high probability of one of two results : Either the Mexicans will 
achieve so much of success in Texas, as will induce a complica- 
tion, east of the Sabine, or the Texians and their American volun- 
teer allies, very eager to visit Mexico, will force their way into 
that country, in considerable strength, and with what may be taken 
to be, a certainty of drawing on a war with the United States. 

In every way that the consequences present themselves to my 
mind, it seems next to certain, that, unless a peace between these 
two Eepublics can be accomplished in some brief space of time, on 
terms calculated to encourage a good feeling on the part of Texas 
to Mexico, Texas will soon be annexed to the United States : And 
entertaining that opinion, I join to it the belief, that there is no 
earnest disposition at Washington to see the Independence of Texas 
acknowledged by Mexico, particular [l]y since it has been supposed 
that Her Majesty's Government takes an interest in accomplishing 
that result. 

I avail myself of this occasion to mention that we have been 
recently visited by Her Majesty's Sloop Electra, touching here on 
her way from Havana to Vera Cruz, and I have also to report 
that Mr Neill, concerning whom I wrote to Your Lordship, has 
made his escape from Mexico,^ and is now in Texas. 

Carles Elliot 
To The Right Honorable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



'This refers to Webster's offer of mediation (1842) and its rejection 
by Mexico. 

^For an account of the escape of Andrew Neill, see The Quarterly, 
XIII. 313-317. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 157 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 5. Galveston 4th February 1843. 

My Lord, 

The inclosure is a letter which I have addressed to the Secre- 
tary of State of this Republic agreeably to Your Lordship's in- 
structions of the despatch No. 20 of last year. 

Finding from an account of the proceedings of Congress dur- 
ing last Session that no steps had been taken, founded upon the 
representation I had made to this Government on the 30th Sep- 
tember last respecting the claim of Messrs. Egerton, Prior, O'Gor- 
man, etc. etc. I have felt it incumbent upon myself to put for- 
ward this claim of Mr. Beales without further delay. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO JONES^ 

[Enclosure.] Galveston 4th February 1843. 

Sir, 

Requesting your reference to a note, which I had the honor to 
address to you on the 30th September last, in support of the claim 
of certain British Subjects to Lands in Texas, it is now my duty 
to put forward another and more weighty ease of the like nature, 
recently committed to me by Her Majesty's Government, namely, 
that of John Charles Beales, and others Her Majesty's subjects 
claiming under Beales. 

The Lands comprised in these last claims, are those known as 
the "Arkansas grant" the "Milam or Eio Colorado grant," "the Rio 
Grande grant," and nine grants in fee simple, of eleven leagues 
each containing 438,411 793/1000 acres English, located on the 
Rio Nueces. 



^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

^Ihid. This letter is listed in the Calendar of Garrison, Diplomatic 
Correspondence, etc., but since it was actually printed only in Texas 
newspapers of the day, it is included here. In similar cases it is 
thought advisable to include important documents unless they have pre- 
viously been printed in Garrison's Diplomatic Correspondence, or in other 
collections, or files, generally available, such as Ifiles' Register. 



158 Texas State Historical Association 

I am sensible that the limits of these extensive claims and gen- 
erally the particulars of the title must be known to the Govern- 
ment of the Republic, but for the sake of form, I have considered 
it proper to annex the accompanying abstract of the dates and 
limits of the grants collected from the "Exhibits" of a memorial 
presented to Her Majesty by J. C. Beales, in the course of last 
year, on his own behalf and that of others claiming under him. 
And in order that the grounds of Mr. Beales' appeal to the Queen, 
may be fully known to this Government I also transmit herewith 
a copy of his memorial presented to Her Majesty 

Since I have been in Texas, it has been incumbent upon me to 
consider these claims with all the attention in my power: And 
confining the expression of my opinion upon the Land Legisla- 
tion of this Republic, solely to those provisions which affect the 
rights and claims of British subjects, I must declare that the pro- 
visions of Law complained of by Mr. Beales and the others, seem 
to me to be unjust and untenable. This opinion rests upon the 
principles, that the Sovereignty of this Republic could succeed only 
to the possessions of the former Sovereignty; that private rights 
ought to have been secured; that the New Sovereignty is bound 
faithfully and fully to carry out the obligations entered into by 
the former ; and finally that well established rules, with respect to 
rights not matured, or with respect to conditions prevented, in- 
terrupted or rendered impossible by a circumstance of such over- 
ruling force as the breaking out of the War of Independence in 
1835, and its continuance to this period, have been violated by the 
Confiscatory Enactments of Congress, in the particulars set forth 
by these British subjects. But beyond this, it seems plain, to my 
judgment that the Constitution inhibits Legislation of the nature 
here complained of, by clear general reservation and by implica- 
tion, unavoidably deducible from its own provisions respecting de- 
fective titles, said to emanate from the former Sovereignty. 

"No aliens" says the 10th Section of the General Provision of 
the Constitution shall hold lands in Texas except "by titles 
emanating directly from the Government of this Republic." This 
exception certainly appears to involve a ratification of all titles 
emanating directly from the Government of which this Govern- 
ment is the successor, and to the obligations of which it is law- 
fully and justly bound : In other words it appears to have been 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 159 

the purpose of this provision to place this Government for the 
maintenance of the public faith, and for objects of policy, in the 
exact situation of the former Government. There can be no 
warrant in this provision of the Constitution to distrust what has 
been legally done by the former Sovereignty in behalf of Aliens, 
and it certainly remains to seek for that sanction elsewhere. 

The Constitution declares that "whereas the protection of the 
public domain from unjust and fraudulent Claims, and quieting 
the people in the enjoyment of their lands, is one of the great 
duties of this Convention, and whereas the Legislature of Coa- 
huila and Texas having passed an act in the year 1834, in behalf 
of General J. T. Mason of New York and another on the 14th 
day of March 1835, under which the enormous amount of eleven 
hundred leagues of land has been claimed by sundry individuals, 
some of whom reside in foreign countries, and are not Citizens of 
the Eepublic, which said acts are contrary to articles fourth, 
twelfth, and fifteenth, of the laws of 1824, of the General Con- 
gress of Mexico, and one of said acts, for that cause, has by said 
General Congress of Mexico, been declared null and void. It is 
hereby declared that the said act of 1834 in favor of J. T. Mason, 
and of the 14th March 1835 of the said Legislature of Coahuila 
and Texas, and each and every grant founded thereon, is, and was 
from the beginning, null and void; and all surveys made under 
pretence of authority derived from said acts, are hereby declared 
to be null and void; and all eleven league claims, located within 
twenty leagues of the boundary line between Texas, and the United 
States of America which have been located contrary to the Laws of 
Mexico, are hereby declared to be null and void." 

The specification of the causes of the defects of Mason's title, 
and the alledged intrinsic character of that defect, and the annul- 
ment of all eleven league claims located within 30 leagues of the 
United States of America, said to be located contrary to the Laws 
of Mexico, prove; that it was never intended to delegate to Con- 
gress, a right to confiscate titles, and disturb actual possession 
lawfully emanating from the Congress of Mexico. The declared 
violation of the provisions of the authority of the Congress of Mex- 
ico, and it's own special act thereupon, were on the contrary, the 
fundamental grounds for the annulment of the grants represented 
to have been irregularly made to Mason in 1834 and 1835. 



160 Tiwas State Historical Association. 

In the same Session it is declared "with a view to the simplifi- 
cation of the Land system, and the protection of the people and 
Government from litigation and fraud a General Land Office shall 
be established, where all the Land titles of the Republic shall be 
registered, and the whole territory of the Republic shall be sec- 
tionized, in a manner hereafter to be prescribed by law, which 
shall enable the officers of the Government, or any other citizen to 
ascertain with certainty, the lands that are vacant, and those lands 
which may be covered with valid titles." 

The enactments of Congress for the establishment of a Land 
Office founded upon this provision, contain the clauses of which 
these British subjects complain, but it never can be maintained 
that the Constitution granted or intended a sanction for such en- 
actments in delegating to Congress, the task of establishing an 
Office for the registry of land titles. The Lands now in question 
were covered by valid titles; and it assuredly required the prevail- 
ing force of a Confiscatory declaration from which there was to 
be no appeal, to abrogate those titles. 

In further proof of the purpose and limitation of the Consti- 
tution, if further proof be necessary, it was declared "that whereas 
many surveys and titles to land have been made whilst most of 
the people of Texas were absent from home, serving in the Cam- 
paign against Bexar it is hereby declared that all the surveys and 
titles to land, made since the act of the late consultation closing 
the Land Office, and all titles to Land made since that time, are, 
aiid shall be null and void." 

This provision (with the provision respecting Mason's grant, 
and the specification of the objects and purposes for which a Land 
Office was to be established) appears distinctly to define, and limit 
the power delegated to Congress respecting Legislation upon the 
subject of titles to Lands. 

And mindful of the principle of the Constitution of Texas that 
every right not expressly delegated is reserved, it certainly does 
seem impossible to claim a tacit sanction for enactments of retro- 
spective and confiscatory Legislation, in an instrument of funda- 
mental and limitary authority, so express upon the subject of 
titles to land, and of which it is a cardinal rule that "no retro- 
spective or ex post facto law or laws impairing the obligation of 
contracts, shall be made." 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 161 

I need scarcely say that the President's messages returning the 
Land Bills to Congress, without his approval, are known to me; 
and bearing as they do, so forcibly upon the subject of these 
claims, I have thought it convenient to forward copies of them to 
Her Majesty's Government. 

Upon the general consequences of that Legislation so clearly 
foreseen, and so emphatically deprecated, in those masterly papers, 
it is not my province to remark: But speaking of the particular 
rights forming the subject of this communication it is a source of 
regret indeed, that the President's objections to the Bills was un- 
availing 

I had hoped that Congress would not separate, without passing 
some just and effectual measure of relief for alien claimants, in 
the situation of these parties founded upon the representation 
which I had the honor to address to this Government on the 30th 
September last: That hope, however, has been disappointed, and 
it remains for me to state, in obedience to my Instructions, that 
unless the facts set forth by these British claimants are refused 
or a satisfactory explanation given. The Texian Government must 
be aware that Her Majesty's Government would be fully author- 
ised to take the necessary steps for enforcing the just claims of 
Her Majesty's subjects. 

I commit these cases, recommended by every consideration of 
justice, and I use the freedom to add of sound policy, with the 
confident persuasion, that they will have the cordial support of 
the President. I cannot but express the sanguine hope too, that 
Congress at this more advanced period of the progress of the Ee- 
public will remedy in the behalf of these claimants, the effects of 
wrongful Legislation, probably attributable to haste and pressure, 
incidental to the early and disturbed state of affairs in which it 
was passed, 

Charles Elliot 
To The Honorable Anson Jones. 
N, B. 

The inclosures adverted to in the letter of which the above is 
a copy have not been forwarded to England because, it is under- 
stood, that a copy of Mr, Beales' Memorial and of the book from 
which the abstract has been drawn up must be in the Department. 

Charles Elliot. 



162 T'exaa State Historical Association 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Secret. Galveston February rAh. 1843 

My Lord, 

The boat from Houston has Just brought me a private letter 
from the President, of which I beg leave to transmit an Extract. 
Your Lordship will no doubt be struck with the importance of these 
views, coming from that quarter, and they have certainly strength- 
ened me in those opinions which I had felt it my duty to submit in 
my despatch Xo. 4 of this year, written a few days since. 

This is the first hint I have ever had of the President's ideas 
upon this Subject, drawn from him, I have no doubt, by strong 
impression of the direction and force of circumstances, by the 
pressure of opposition made to his administration, and mainly by 
a feeling of entire confidence in the friendly professions of Her 
Majesty's Government. 

Your Lordship will be best able to distinguish what there is 
of mere advocacy in this Statement of opinion, or what may be 
taken to be the result of General Houston's sincere Convictions, or 
of actual suggestion from influential quarters in a contiguous 
Country 

. So far as my own judgment in that respect may be consid- 
ered worthy of attention, I would say that I have no doubt Gen- 
eral Houston has said what He believes, and probably less than 
He knows; neither do I question that the settlement of this Coun- 
try upon an independent footing would be most agreeable to his 
personal opinion, and ambition. 

But He perhaps thinks that there is no choice between very 
early settlement on that principle, or very early adhesion to the 
growing feeling for annexation 

I have thought it my duty to place this letter under cover to 
Mr. Fox, with the impression that Your Lordship might desire 
the advantage of any views or information from him without loss 
of time, and I shall also send a copy to Mr. Pakenham. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

'F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 163 

HOUSTON TO ELLIOT^ 

[Enclosure.] 

Extract from a Private letter of President Houston to Captain 
Elliot dated Washington Janiiai7 24. 1843. 

"There is a subject now mooting in Texas which it seems to 
me will appeal directly to Her Majest3^'s Government. I mean 
that of annexation to the United States 

"Some of our Journals are much in favor of the Measure. 
Eastern Texas contains but few dissenting voices to the Measure. 
I find from the incertitude of our situation that nine tenths of 
those who converse with me arc in favor of the Measure upon 
the ground that it luill give us peace. Upon this point of our 
National existence I feel well satisfied that England has the power 
to rule ! At this time the Measure has an advocacy in the United 
States which has at no former period existed. From the most 
authentic sources I have received an appeal on this Subject, and 
my co-operation solicited in producing the result of annexation 

"It is a political question in the United States, as well as Senti- 
mental. I take it that it is a Measure of the democratic party. 
The South is in favor of it for various reasons. The West and 
North West desire it because of a monopoly of the trade of Santa 
Fe, and the Californias. The Yankees will not be blind to the 
trade which such a Union will open to them in disposing of their 
Manufactures 

"The relations which such a Union would create in the Pacific, 
and then the Bay of San Francisco as [have] a connexion with 
the extension of of the Oregon Settlements. If I am not mis- 
taken I think you will readily perceive that the probabilities of 
the Measure succeeding in the United States are greater than they 
have been at any former period. Mr. Tyler is of the South. Mr. 
Clay is of the West. Mr. Van Buren and Mr. Webster are of the 
North. 

"Annexation is to be a question with the political parties and 
aspirants in the United States. My own opinion is that both 
parties will advocate the policy. To defeat this policy it is only 
necessary for Lord Aberdeen to say to Santa Anna, 'Sir, Mexico 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



164 Texas State Historical Association 

must recognise the Independence of Texas.' Santa Anna would 
be glad of such a pretext. He could then say to the Mexicans 
TTou see how I am situated. I cannot go to War with England, 
our best triend with a probability of War with the United States 
and France.' 

"This state of things would be desirable with him, in my 
opinion, as it would leave him free to establish his power and 
dynasty ! The Texian Subject has answered the use of 'a tub for 
the whale' long enough, and He would like to get rid of all ex- 
ternal troubles. But for this He requires a pretext, and He has 
incurred so many voluntary committals, that to get out of diffi- 
culty He must seem to act under constraint. This He could ren- 
der as a satisfactory reason to the people, and even acquire favor 
by the course. In all these matters I may be mistaken, but I am 
honest in my convictions, that Texas and England would both be 
beneficiaries by this course. Time will tell the tale." 

N. B. 

The chief portion of the remainder of the letter is upon the 
subject of the General's anxiety respecting the persons lately 
Captured West of the Eio Grande.^ And requesting that Mr. 
Pakenham may be moved to do what He can to avert dangerous 
consequences from them. The General grants that the disorderly 
action of their separation from the Officer acting under the orders of 
this Government is of highly serious consequence to them, but presses 
upon the fact that there was a Capitulation, and that the Mexican 
Government is bound to respect it. I am endeavouring to write 
to Mr. Pakenham upon the subject agreeably to the request, by 
this opportunity. 

Charles Elliot 

[Endorsed] In letter from Capn. Elliot marked "Secret" of 
Feb. 5. 1843. 



^For a quotation from this portion of the letter, see Elliot to Aberdeen, 
Secret, June 8, 1843, enclosure 2. 



Briiish Correspondence Concerning Texas 165 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

]Sro. 1. Galveston. Texas. 

Febrnary 11th. 1843. 

My Lord. 

I have the honor to inform Your Lordship that I arrived at 
Galveston on the 5th Instant, and immediately reported My ar- 
rival to Captain Elliot, E. N. Her Majesty's Consul General and 
Charge d' Affaires in Texas. 

In accordance with My Instructions, I have placed Her Maj- 
esty's Commission appointing Me Her Majesty's Consul at this 
port in the hands of Captain Elliot, by whom it has been trans- 
mitted to the Government of the Eepublic with an application for 
the necessary exequatur. 

Permit Me to remark that the Communication I have had the 
honor to hold with Captain Elliot leads me to look forward to 
future Cooperation with that gentleman in the public Service as a 
very agreeable duty. 



William Kennedy. 



The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ 



Private. Galveston. March 26th. 1843. 

My Dear Sir, 

I had hoped that the last Steam Boat from New Orleans would 
hpve brought me acknowledgments to the communications for- 
warded from here to the 16th Deer, but I have been disappointed, 
and I hear accounts of the rather careless modes of conveying the 
Mails from New Orleans to the Northward, particularly in the 
Southern part of the route, which leave me uneasy till I hear from 
England that my letters have been duly received. 

It has occurred to me, however, that Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment may prefer to forward some of the communications by the 
way of the West Indies, and that consideration tends to reassure 
me. The last despatch in the diplomatic series which has been 
acknowledged in England is dated here on the 2d November. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 
^Ibid., Vol. 6. 



166 Texas State Ilistorica] Association 

In outward appearances affairs in this quarter remain much 
as they did when I wrote to you last, in the past Month, but T 
cannot help believing that this sameness is apparent rather than 
real, and that in |>oint of fact we are hastening forwards to ma- 
terial changes. So far as the aggressive power or purposes of 
Mexico be considered, in respect to this Country, you must no doubt 
have better means of judging than I can furnish, but it seems rea- 
sonable to suppose that the protraction of the Struggle in Yucatan 
must be shaking General Santa Anna's influence, and exhausting 
the crippled and severely collected resources of the Government. 

We hear here, too, (but all our information concerning Mexi- 
can affairs comes to us through the United States, and must be 
received with great reserve) that another Federal movement i*i 
ripening, and that it will be supported by some leading Military 
Chieftains. liCaving these reports out of question, it may still be 
thought to be a reasonable calculation that any existing condition 
of things in Mexico will be replaced by another, within three or 
four years from it's Establishment, and if I am not mistaken the 
last final Settlement has already reached that measure of venerable 
duration. 

We learn from New Orleans, that the two Texian Vessels of 
War at that place are at last preparing for Sea, (assisted by funds 
from Yucatan) and that they will get out in the course of a 
week or ten days. I am not able to judge of the well founded- 
ness of these statements, but would observe generally of all man- 
ner of reports in these parts that they should be received as Dr. 
Johnson recommended of Short's Stories; Not too easily believed, 
for the very great probability is that they are false, not entirely 
disregarded for they may be true. What with my Ultra Malayan 
and Trans Atlantic drilling, it will be no wonder if I fall into an 
obstinate Pyrrhonism. 

I have heard so little truth, and experienced so much injustice, 
that doubt and distrust is my way of being. The Treaty^ be- 
tween this Country and the United States has not yet been rati- 
fied by the Senate of the last, as it is alleged I am told, upon 
the ground that its provisions would lead to demands for conces- 

'A treaty of commerce. The United States Senate refused ratification 
in certain essentials. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 167 

sions of a similar nature upon the part of the other South Ameri- 
can Republics (and the Foreign powers having possessions in the 
West Indies with which the United States have Commercial 
treaties) thus disturbing the protective efPect of their own tariff, 
upon their own South Western produce. 

But it may be that there are other motives for declining to 
ratifv the treaty. The N. Eastern interest would perhaps feel 
that relaxation of the contemplated nature in favor of Texian 
produce would gratify the demands from the opix)site points of 
the Union for a general relaxation of the tariff. "You have let 
in Texian produce," they would reason "to our detriment.'" "Ad- 
mit foreign articles of our Consumption, for our relief." Again 
mindful of the extremely pressed condition of this Country, and 
sensible of the difficulty of carrying the formal annexation of 
Texas by Legislative means, the S. W. party may think that the 
next best thing would be to leave affairs in such a state that the 
same result might virtually be achieved by a treaty of Commerce, 
and hence perhaps an unwillingness to conclude any treaty with 
this Country (it is most remarkable that there never yet has 
been one) till affairs are in their agony, from which they do not 
seem to be far removed. 

Another topic deserving particular attention at this conjunc- 
ture is a Movement by an Anti Slavery party here. I always 
knew that such sentiments existed amongst some of the Settlers 
from the Free States, and a few of the most respected Citizens, 
but an Englishman who has just returned from travelling through 
a great part of the Republic assures me that there is a much 
m.ore general and strengthening feeling in favor of such a course 
than he had conceived possible. I think he is mistaken in respect 
[to] the actual state of feeling, and a considerable degree of ex- 
citement here last week ending in the sudden dismissal of a Mr. 
Andrews from this Island (a Lawyer of talent and respectability 
of Houston who had come down to Galveston to test the state of 
opinion here) is a proof that in this Island at least there is in 
[no?] readiness for the immediate entertainment of such views. 
Upon the whole, however, I believe that sound opinions upon this 
topic are gaining strength and these South Western people are so 
exciteable, and so ready to jump from extreme to extreme, when- 
ever they perceive the advantage of the leap, that it would never 



168 Texas State Historical Association 

surprize me to find the subject thrown upon favorable public at- 
tention by the very event of M. Andrew's forced departure.^ 

First comes violence, and then come reflection and sympathy, 
and indeed it is manifest that the advantages of abolition would 
be so immediate and so momentous, that they only need to be 
calmly thought of to make their way in the public mind. I am 
waiting in much anxiety for the next arrivals from New Orleans 
with the hope that it will bring me some acknowledgment of my 
despatches and letters as far down as the 27th Deer. 

The "Great Western" I observe she was to sail from England 
on the 10th February. As soon as the Boat arrives I am going 
up to pay a short visit to the President at Washington [on the 
Brazos] which I have been prevented from doing for some weeks, 
by the extraordinary floods of the Eivers. The Mischief of ex- 
tensive inundation has added itself to all the other troubles that 
have plagued this poor Country for the last 12 Months. 

The people are rough and wild, but their constancy and cour- 
age are admirable. I hardly know any more painful and indeed 
humiliatory subject of reflection than the comparative helpless- 
ness of our own poor English people, when one finds them thrown 
amongst these scheming, enterprising, and it is most distressing 
to add, almost invariably much better informed persons than 
themselves. The truth is that the poorer Classes of English peo- 
ple are broken in, or I should say broken down to do but one 
thing in this world, and then accustomed to all the conveniences 
and facilities of locomotion etc. etc. in our Country, they make 
but sorry work of it in taming the wilds, compared with the 
American races. 

The training of our social and political mechanism (and my 
experience has taught me, military too) unfits men for rough 
uses and reverses. It must all work together perfectly smoothly 
and successfully, or it will scarcely work at all. These strange 
people jolt and jar terrifically in their progress but on they do 
get, and prosper too under circumstances where our people would 

'Stephen Pearl Andrews, a lawyer of New Orleans; later of Galveston. 
After urging a plan of abolition in Texas, he went to England in 1843 
seeking the aid of British Anti-Slavery Societies. His later life was 
spent in Boston and in New York, wliere he gained reputation as a 
scliolar and Avriter. (Appleton, Cyclopedia of Amer. Biog., I, 76.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 169 

starve and die. I am sure it would be a wise and a right course 
to put forward some authoritative recommendation to the Queen's 
Subjects to direct their Emigration to parts of the British Domin- 
ions, or at all events not to entirely new Countries on this Con- 
tinent. 

Whenever the born British Emigrant comes into contact with 
the American or frontier Stations, you find the first squalid, poor 
and a Wreck, and the last making way chiefly upon the Capital 
which the others have brought with them. 

With my excuses for this long letter and small amount of in- 
formation 

Charles Elliot. 
H. U. Addington, Esqr. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Galveston March 29th. 1843. 

My Lord, 

The delay of the Steam boat for a few hours enables me to 
transmit to Your Lordship the accompanying Statement of intel- 
ligence from Mexico received here two days since, via New Or- 
leaiis.2 I entertain no doubt of the genuineness of their proposals, 
but am necessarily without any means of forming an opinion upon 
the purposes or situation of the Mexican Government in relation 
to them 

Upon the face of them, however, it is hard to think that Gen- 
eral Santa Aiia can entertain a serious hope or wish that they 
should be accepted in their present form. Their effect would be 
to leave this Country virtually independent of Mexico, with abund- 
ance of pretext for further disturbance and pretentions West of 
the Eio Grande, as soon as Texas is well strengthened, and Mexico 
still further enfeebled by unsuitable institutions, and that state 
of intestine trouble, which appears to be almost the usual condi- 
tion of the Country. 

Indeed it seems to me to be quite unintelligible that this project 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

='An unidentified newspaper cutting referring to the proposal of a nego- 
tiation for peace, made by Santa Anna through James W. Robinson, a 
released prisoner. 



170 Texas Stair Historical Association 

of a Federal scheme of polity as respects Texas, and Central as 
respects the remainder of the Eepublic can be seriously put for- 
Avard or expected to work particularly in the present situation 
of parties in Mexico. 

It is possible however that these proposals may be no more than 
the first approach to some practicable solution of the dispute, and 
upon that point Your Lordship will of course have the means of 
forming a better judgment by the direct intelligence from Mexico, 
than any that can be provided upon information or suggestions 
from this quarter. 

I do not write officially till this Government has signified it's 
course regarding these proposals, but I naturally conjecture that, 
they will not openly take notice of them. 

I am about to proceed to Washington to pay a short visit to 
the President, and shall address Your Lordship again as soon as 
I have returned. 

My last dates from the Foreipn Office are of the 2d February, 
but then without, acknowledgments of any despatches from here 
beyond those of the 2d ^"ovember, 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 2. British Consulate. 

Galveston March 29th 1843 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to inform Your Lordship that, on the 24th of 
February, I received from the Seat of Government, at Washing- 
ton on the Brazos, a Note from the Secretary of State of the 
Republic of Texas accompanying the President's official recogni- 
tion of My Commission as Her ^Majesty's Consul for Galveston 

I beg to inclose an extract from the Government paper pub- 
lished at Washington,'- not because of any terms of eulogy ap- 
plied to so humble an individual as Myself, but as indicating the 
light in which the appointment is Viewed by the President, and 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 

^The Texian and Brazos Farmer, Fobruary 18, 1843. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 171 

the prospect it holds out of My being enabled to promote British 
interests in this quarter 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ 

Steam Boat "Dayton" 
On the Passage from Houston to Galveston 

April 15th. 1843. 
My Dear Sir, 

The inclosure is the Copy of a letter which I have addressed 
to Mr. Packenham- at the request of the President that He should 
be moved to make the Communication it contains to General 
Santa Aiia, and T have added some reflections of my own because 
it occurred to me that Mr. Packenham would wish to judge of 
any views of mine upon the effect of these propositions on the 
Government and people of this Country. 

I took occasion to mention to the President that I was with- 
out any other Instructions than had already been made known to 
him respecting the feelings and purposes of Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment upon the subject of the close of the Contest, but I was 
persuaded they had in no degree relaxed. He assured me, and 
begged the assurance might be particularly conveyed to Lord 
Aberdeen that He continued to place implicit confidence in the 
friendly declaration of Her Majesty's Government, and it was in 
that spirit, and that trust, that He had felt himself bound to 
communicate to me what He had done respecting the condition of 
feeling concerning annexation to the United States. 

I must feel that in the state of this Country it was no wonder 
that men['s] minds should turn that way, and it might be de- 
pended upon that the feeling was growing and gaining strength 
both here, and in the United States. I thanked him for what I 
was sure was the motive of this frank exposition of his views upon 
this subject; but it was one of great importance, and I could only 
say that I had lost no time in forwarding to England what He 
had been so good as to write to me on that Matter. 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. This despatch is not numbered. 
^Pakenham. Elliot at times misspells the name. 



172 Texas State Historical Association 

My letter to Mr. Packenham contains the general substance of 
the President's remarks, and I must hope that indisposition will 
be my excuse to you for these few lines by the present occasion. 
Perhaps a few days rest at Galveston in the comparative comfort, 
(and at all events the cleanliness) of my own Cabin, will restore 
me, but the truth is that my health is shattered, and I do not 
look to make good weather of it through the ensuing hot season, 
so far to the South as this Country. 

Charles Elliot. 
To H. U. Addington, Esqr. 

ELLIOT TO PAKENHAM^ 

Private. Houston April 14th. 1843 

My Dear Sir, 

The last Boat from New Orleans has brought here a Citizen 
of this Eepublic of the name of Eobinson who was captured at 
San Antonio on the occasion of it's Surprize by General Woll in 
September last, and the accompanying paper will place you in 
possession of his own account of the circumstances, and purposes of 
his release by General Santa Aiia. 

I was upon the point of starting to Washington to pay the 
President a short visit when these strange, and vaguely promul- 
gated tidings reached Galveston, and I was with General Houston 
when Mr. Eobinson arrived at Washington. The President placed 
in my hand the original of the paper General Santa Ana had 
delivered to Mr. Eobinson, but except that it developed the par- 
ticularity that New proposals were drawn from him by an approach 
from Mr. Eobinson, I did not detect that that Gentleman had 
more to communicate to General Houston than had already been 
made known to him through the medium of his Newspaper. 

In fact General Houston explicitly told me that Mr. Eobinson 
brought him nothing but the papers in question; the substance 
of which you have here before you. 

He observed that although this approach had found it's way 
before the Public, and came to him in a strange and informal 
manner indeed, still He would [state] his belief that it evinced a 

*F. O., Texas, A^ol. 6. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 173 

peacefulness of Spirit on the part of the Mexican Government, 
and [he was] disposed on his own side to proceed to all proper 
lengths for the Establishment of an honorable and desirable paci- 
fication. He hoped it might not be incompatible with your posi- 
tion to state to General Santa Ana that He was ready to send 
Commissioners to Mexico in furtherance of that object. He had 
to remark, however, that an armistice would be indispensably 
necessary before any proposals of a peaceful Nature could be en- 
tertained for without that there would be no deliberating calmly, 
or determining wisely on either part. General Houston then con- 
versed with me upon the subject of this approach. 

He believed that General Santa Aha had long since been con- 
vinced that there was no hope of the permanent re-establishment 
of Mexican Authority in Texas, and He was equally satisfied that 
General Santa Ana's avowed desire for a close of this futile con- 
test was sincerely felt, both upon political considerations of vari- 
ous kinds, and pressing moment, and no doubt also for the sake 
of putting an end to a fruitless Waste of human life and happi- 
ness. He could readily understand the feeling which led General 
Santa Aiia to shape this approach upon the condition of the ac- 
knowledgment of Mexican Sovereignty by Texas, but he could not 
suppose there was any deliberate purpose to adhere to that con- 
dition. 

General Santa Ana's scheme involved the virtual separation of 
this Country from Mexico. They were to elect their own Officers 
from the highest to the lowest, there were to be no Mexican troops 
in Texas; they were to initiate and prepare their own Laws. 
He certainly could no[t] understand to what extent or by what 
means this Sovereignty was to be enjoyed or exercised. It would 
be a shadowy Sovereignty indeed, but it was plain to his mind 
that the renewed difficulties and complications to which it would 
give rise would be very substantial answers. He could not but 
hope that calm consideration, and the voice of great powers, equally 
friendly to both ISTations would lead them both to some ^.H'e resting 
place. 

I told the President I should not fail to communicate what 
He had said to you, and living amongst these people I hope it 
may be unnecessary to offer you any excuse for some reflections 
of my own upon the same Subject. 



174 Texas State Historical Association 

It is certainly in no great spirit of disparagement of the peo- 
ple of Texas. In many respects, on the contrary I think them 
worthy of high admiration, for example in the spirit of daring 
adventure, and disregard of every kind of difficulty and hard- 
ship, I know not by whom they can be surpassed. It is certainly, 
then, I would repeat in no spirit of general disrespect, but purely 
of dispassionate observation of their variable and excitable politi- 
cal humour that I would remark I have never lived amongst any 
people more likely to abandon their solemn declaration of separa- 
tion to any plausible exhibition of what was best for their imme- 
diate interests. Joined to this expansiveness of political consist- 
ency, you will scarcely need to be reminded of their actually 
pressed condition, and of the absence of those impulses which pro- 
duce what we understand by patriotism; not to be looked for in- 
deed amongst a people strange to the soil, and compounded for the 
most part of wandering and restless Emigrants, from the S. W. 
States of the neighlwuring Union. 

Speaking then of things as they actually are here, and of the 
people now living in this Country it would certainly not surprize 
me to find this project, temporarily favored, and perhaps it would 
not be hard for its advocates to shew them that General Santa 
Ana's scheme would be as profitable an arrangement for Texas 
and the United States as I am sure it would be a mischeivous one 
for Mexico. 

The President, I confidently believe, will act only upon large 
and honorable views of what is due to his Country and to him- 
self. But whilst He is sincerely and wisely averse to aggressive 
War in Mexico, I am persuaded that He is steadily anxious to 
secure the Independence of the Country, and I do not doubt that 
He is secretly preparing to resort to that course as vigorously as 
He can if the interference of Foreign powers shall not otherwise 
and promptly close this combat. There seems good reason to be- 
lieve that He will succeed in establishing treaties with most of the 
Border Indians and when that is accomplished He will be in a 
better situation to turn to other projects. 

General Santa Ana will be greatly mistaken indeed if He 
thought that Houston's real influence in this Country is weaken- 
ing, or wished that it should, for He is very moderately disposed 
towards Mexico, and will strive hard to reach some safe and 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 175 

creditable conclusion. Bnt if he once raises his voice in the 
opposite way He will be followed by twenty thousand riflemen 
from the Western States of the Union, in less than 6 Months. 
To return however to General Santa Aiia's scheme, I think you 
will concur with me that there is no soundness in a System, flim- 
sily pretending to be of one kind, but essentially of a diametri- 
cally repugnant description. And of all the people and Govern- 
ments on the Earth to select for this experiment of resting con- 
tented under a scheme of policy, declaratorily masterful, and 
really powerless, these reckless and enterprizing races that have 
found their way to this region, and the scantily scrupulous Gov- 
ernment of the United States would assuredly be the most certain 
to shiver the fragile Machinery to atoms, at their first convenience 

That the Government and people of the United States, moved 
under different motives, are perfectly agreed upon one point in 
this affair of Texas and Mexico, I make no doubt, and that is a 
disinclination to the recognition of it's Independence by Mexico. 
The adoption of General Santa Ana's present scheme would prob- 
ably suit them all much better. It would effectually sponge out 
all that has been done in that way, and leave things as they were 
in 1836 (when they never expected Foreign Powers would recog- 
nize the Independence of Texas) with leisure to all parties, and 
full convenience to strengthen this Country, and open out renewed 
troubles and pretensions in a Westerly direction. I believe that 
that Government has no more settled purpose than to stretch itself 
Westward, and I think the present Cabinet at Washington is of 
the mind that Texas upon an independent footing would be a 
serious and growing obstacle in their progress thitherwards. 

It appears to be reasoned that independent Texas with a very 
liberal commercial policy would adhere steadily to a balancing 
system, for it would leave Her a great emporium between Coun- 
tries with high tariffs, and eager dispositions, and ready facili- 
ties to set them at nought. There is reason too in the suggestion 
(it has been put forward by leading people in America) that the 
influx of foreign Capital and principles to this Eepublic from 
other parts of the world, particularly from England, would pretty 
rapidly modify present sympathies. Men, they think, would soon 
begin to feel Texian, as well as to call themselves, Texians. In- 



176 Tea-as State Historical Association 

deed it is more true of the United States races, than of any other 
in the World that their first best Country ever is at home. 

They will live friendly or fight with any people for profits 
sake. Long before I heard of this proposal of General Santa 
Ana's the impression was gaining strength in my mind that some 
intrigue was ripening at Washington (on the Potomac) for I had 
good reason to believe that there had been personal Communica- 
tions between General Almonte, General Hamilton, Mr. Tyler and 
Mr. Calhoun, during last Autumn. Revolving the probable sub- 
ject of that intercourse in my mind, it has sometimes occurred 
to me (and there is nothing in this proposal to disturb the sur- 
mize) that a formal and temporary reannexation of Texas to 
Mexico might he one of the proposed devices, and thereupon after 
some decent length of time, a rencAval of General Jackson's Nego- 
ciation for the purchase of Texas from Mexico. 

That might be a convenient mode enough of adjusting United 
States Claims on Mexico, without any transfer of funds, and per- 
haps it might be made more palatable to Mexico by proposing to 
pay a few more Million than General Jackson had offered. The 
Mexicans would perhaps be instructed by such advisers that this 
course would save appearances, and give them a handsome Sal- 
vage out of what was lost to them for ever, and their own aver- 
sion to have a Neighbour with a liberal Conmiercial policy would 
possibly help at the scheme. You are a much better judge of 
the probability of these speculations than myself, but entertain- 
ing no doubt at all of the answers of the Cabinet at Washington 
on the subject, I have thought it convenient to submit them to 
you. Considering the shape that this Matter has now assumed, 
(from the point of view that I regard it, and with such means 
and opportunities of forming a judgment as are within my reach) 
I cannot help thinking that Her Majesty's Government would 
regard a renewal of this futile Contest, always pregnant with 
more risk of inconvenient complication with the United States 
than there are any safe means of estimating, With great dissatis- 
faction General Santa Ana has now proposed a concession of 
all practical hold over the Country, and it will scarcely be agree- 
able to Her Majesty's Government to learn that a struggle has 
been reopened for a matter of form. 

On the other hand you will know much better than I, how the 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 177 

intelligence would be received in London that affairs here had 
been adjusted upon General Santa Ana's present scheme; a 
scheme effectually breaking up existing arrangements, and leav- 
ing behind the certainty of renewed and more serious complica- 
tions. By late papers from England I observe that Her Majesty's 
and the French Governments have recently joined in a Note to 
the Eepublic of Monte Video, and Buenos Ayres saying in effect, 
that they might suit their own convenience about making a peace, 
but that it was necessary they should keep the peace. And I 
hope you will pardon me for expressing the wish that you may 
now think yourself in a situation to request the Mexican Govern- 
ment to suspend hostilities, and recommend me to say the like 
to this Government for such a length of time as might enable 
you to learn the pleasure of Her Majesty's Government upon this 
turn of affairs. 

In my mind it is a scheme amounting, in few words, to noth- 
ing less than a swamping of this Country's Independence. And 
all the military and other arrangements, present and prospective, 
depending upon it, for the better convenience of the United States. 
They would be what General Houston calls the "beneficiaries" of 
such a solution. It is of course impossible that General Santa 
Alia can have any such thought or purpose as this last, but with 
deference, it seems hard to reconcile his entire earnestness in 
these proposals with any moderate degree of knowledge of char- 
acter of these people, or of the circumstances connected with their 
situation 

In every way that I regard this subject, looking at it from 
here, (but your point of view and experience will at once enable 
you to arrest any misconception into which I have fallen) it cer- 
tainly seems to me important that there should be a complete 
pause, till you can receive Notice of the views of Her Majesty's 
Government. After the present turn of affairs shall be known in 
that quarter 

We learn here that the two Texian Men of War are to get to 
Sea immediately from New Orleans, but the President privately 
assured me that the Commodore had orders to give up the Com- 
mand of the Squadron for repeated disobedience of Instructions, 
and for a most unwarrantable interference in the affairs of Yuca- 
tan and Mexico. He shewed me his Messages to Congress upon 



178 Teccas State Historical Association 

that subject, and they were strongly averse to the least interfer- 
ence of this Country in that struggle. 

I have to make an excuse for my hard hand writing, but bad 
as it always is, I write with some considerable discomfort from 
sickness, in the hot room of a Houston Boarding House which 
is* a manner of existence that I would not wish to my worst 
unfriends, and I have had bitter. The Steam Boat is to leave for 
New Orleans tomorrow, and having no time or convenience to 
write a despatch from here. — I shall take the liberty of enclosing 
a copy of this letter to Mr. Addington. I should add that the 
President wished the Communication to you to be made in a 
private form. 

Charles Elliot. 
His Excellency Richard Packenham, Esqr. 
Copy. 

C. E. 

[Endorsed] In letter from Captain Elliot of April 15. 1843. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Xo. 6, Galveston April 25. 1843. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to report that the two Texian Vessels of War 
''^Austin" and "Wharton" sailed from the N. E. Pass of the Mis- 
sissipi on the 19th Instant, destined as it is generally supposed, 
to the Coast of Yucatan. It is certain that this step has been 
taken by the Commander of the Vessels in spite of repeated posi- 
tive orders of this Government to return direct to this Port. And 
I am in a situation to inform Your Lordship that the arrange- 
ments between that Officer and the persons in authority in Yuca- 
tan were made without the sanction of this Government, and have 
been disavowed and disapproved in the most unequivocal language 
by the President of Texas.^ 

The embarrassments of this Government upon the subject must 
no doubt be much increased, if a report which has recently been 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

''For additional facts concerning the course pursued by Commodore E. 
W. Moore, see The Quakterlt, XIII, 113 ff. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 179 

circulated in this place be well founded, and I am disposed to 
attach credit to it. That statement is that the Government of 
the United States has directed it's Agent here to call upon this 
Government to desist from any further pursuit of the unsustain- 
able character of Warfare which has been waged between this Re- 
public and Mexico for some time past, and has further notified 
that Instructions to the same effect will be transmitted to their 
Minister at Mexico. I should perhaps mention that I have not 
heard that these last instructions direct General Thompson to 
press the point of the acknowledgment of the Independence of 
Texas on the Mexican Government but merely the cessation of the 
objectionable description of Warfare. Neither do I hear or ob- 
serve any thing disposing me to modify the opinion that there is 
no earnestness upon that subject at Washington on the Potomac. 

The Texian Vessels are said to be incompletely manned, with 
crews of a mixed character: I make no doubt, however, that they 
will be handled with becoming behaviour if any opportunity of 
collision presents itself, but I am afraid that there is no room to 
expect that this unauthorized proceeding can produce any other 
than injurious consequences. If there be success, and the Officer 
is sustained by the people here it will be a triumph over the Au- 
thority of the Government and the Law, and in other respects 
probably not very remote, of extremely unfortunate tendency. 

And if there be a reverse the consequences will of course be 
very serious. In the mean time the state of the fact is, that these 
Vessels are sailing the Seas without due warrant from any con- 
stituted Authority. And I have had enough of experience of 
Naval Affairs to offer the opinion that the power of the Officer 
in Command to maintain any more control over their movements 
than may be agreeable to the general will of the Crews, will dis- 
appear as soon as it is generally known that He is himself acting 
in violation of the orders of his Government 

I must not close this despatch without once more assuring 
Your Lordship that there is not the least doubt that the step 
this Officer has taken is entirely upon his own responsibility, and 
contrary to his knowledge of the desire of the Government that 
He should repair direct to this Port. I shall consider it my 
duty to forward extracts of as much of this despatch to the 
Senior Officer of Her Majesty's Ships in the Gulph of Mexico, 



180 Texas State Historical Association 

as may place him in possession of the circumstances under which 
these Vessels are operating, with a suggestion that their move- 
ments should he reported to the Commander in Chief, to Her 
Majesty's Minister at Mexico, and in the event of any proceeding 
of consequence, by any direct means which may present them- 
selves to England. 

The Eight Honorable Charles Elliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 7. Galveston April 29th. 1843. 

My Lord, 

The accompanying Newspaper^ contains a letter from Mr. Van 
Zandt, Charge d' Affaires of this Republic near the Government 
of the United States to the Address of Mr. Archer, Chairman of 
the Committee on Foreign Eolations in the Senate of the United 
States, in support of the proposed treaty between the two Eepub- 
lics. It will be observed that the treaty was not ratified by the 
Senate of the United States; but Containing the principles of the 
arrangement as assented to by the two Governments, I have con- 
sidered it proper to submit Mr. Van Zandt's letter for Your Lord- 
ship's information. 

The refusal of the Senate of the United States to ratify the 
treaty with this Country has led the President to direct the en- 
forcement of the provision of the tariff Laws of Texas, levying a 
duty of 5 per Cent ad valorum on Imports in Vessels of Coun- 
tries, not having treaties with this Eepublic. 
To The Right Honorable. Charles Elliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 9.* Galveston, May 9th, 1843. 

My Lord, 

The Inclosure No. 1 is the copy of a despatch from Her Maj- 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

^The Texian and Brazos Farmer, April 15, 1843. 
8F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 

*No. 8, Elliot to Aberdeen, acknowledging receipt of despatches, is 
omitted. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 181 

esty's Charge d' Affaires at Mexico covering copies of a Communi- 
cation addressed to him under date 19th April by Senor de Bo- 
rangra/ and of his own reply dated on the same day, but as these 
last will have no doubt already reached Your Lordship direct from 
Mexico I do not transmit them through this Channel. I have 
also the honor to forward the Copy of my own reply to Mr. 
Doyle.2 

There seems less reason to think that these declarations of the 
Mexican Government are the forerunners of any serious attempt 
to recover it's Authority over this Country than to discourage 
[emigration?] to it, and prevent it's settlement. But continued 
hostilities of this partial nature, (particularly if they be preceded, 
as the last were, by fallacious proclamations that the advancing 
parties were the Van Guards of invading Armies, and now by a 
declaration of a very unsustainable description as regards the 
rights of Neutral Governments and their Subjects) will probably 
attract the serious attention of Powers having treaty relations with 
Texas. 

It may be added too that their object of preventing the Settle- 
ment of the Country seems to be ill-considered both as respects 
the hope of fulfilment, and the consequences of the mode of oper- 
ation. For though it is quite true that the Mexican Government 
has succeeded in obstructing the settlement of the Western Coun- 
try by steady and respectable people disposed to cultivate the Soil 
in peace, and particularly by European Emigrants whom the Cli- 
mate and advantages of that portion of the Eepublic would other- 
wise attract, it is no less true that that Section of Texas is be- 
coming the resort of Men from all parts of the World ready for, 
and equal to desperate enterprize of any description. 

If General Santa Aiia cannot be promptly arrested in this bad 
policy I am afraid it will soon be found that He is doing no more 
than securing the rapid organization of advanced bands of what 
will accumulate into a formidable irruptionary Movement. 

Your Lordship will be enabled to judge in some degree from the 

Vose JVIaria de Bocanegra. 

-Percy Doyle, British charge d'affaires at Mexico in 1843, after Paken- 
ham's return to England, and until Bankhead's arrival in Mexico in 
March, 1844. 



183 Texas State Historical Association 

inclosed proclamation^ how disqnietingly the actual State of West- 
ern Texas sustains this reasoning, and it is my duty to add that 
with wise and honorable dispositions on the part of the Govern- 
ment of Texas, It is wholly without power to regulate or control 
the course of events in the particulars now drawn under the at- 
tention of Her Majesty's Government. 

There is much reason to fear that the Mexican Government has 
suffered itself to be precipitated into the dismal Measure of deci- 
mating the Texian prisoner's taken at Mier, and lately recaptured 
after a successful rise against their guard. It is impossible to 
ascribe such extraordinary ignorance of the character of these peo- 
ple to General Santa Ana, as to suppose that He could think 
after a moment's reflection that such ]\Ieasures were calcu- 
lated to intimidate them, and hasty orders upon a subject of so 
much moment, and such very serious consequences can not be 
too deeply deplored. If these proceedings have had place they will 
influence these people to the highest degree, and in other respects 
cast increased difficulty upon the Mexican Government that there 
was much need for more prudent Conduct. 

It will probably be declared here that some of the prisoners 
put to Death by these undistingnishing orders were amongst those 
who used their best efforts to prevent outrage, and absolutely 
risked their lives, in the attempt, and the Mexican Government 
has unhappily deprived itself of conclusive means of refuting 
such allegations. But beyond this I am sure it will be felt by 
Her Majesty's Government that the Mexican Government was 
bound by the conditions of the Capitulation assented to by their 
Commanding Officer at Mier, and the act of successful rise of a 
body of prisoners against their guard is no warrant for any other 
Measures than those of more effectual precaution, if they should 
be retaken. 

If particular outrage was charged against them, enquiry should 
have been had in a regular Military Way, however summarily, and 

^Proclamation of the president, April 27, 1843. It declared martial 
law in the territory between the Rio Frio and Nueces Rivers and the Rio 
Grande, and ordered all a-rmed parties upon the western frontiers, claiming 
to act under authority of the government, except Major John C. Hays, 
to disperse, and not further to molest the citizens of the frontier by acts 
of lawlessness (Telegraph and Texas Register, May 17, 1843). — Editors 
OF The Quarterly. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 183 

no blame could have attached to the Mexican Government for any 
proceedings it might have seen fit to take after investigation h}' 
responsible Officers. I anxiously hope that General Santa Ana, 
will upon more mature reflection have dispatched orders of a more 
suitable nature than those in question here, and that they will 
have arrived in time to prevent a shocking event. 

H. M. S. Spartan sailed again for Vera Cruz this day with my 
reply to Mr. Doyle. 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. 

DOYLE TO ELLIOT^ 

[Enclosure] Copv. Mexico, 20 April 1843. 

Charles Elliot. 
Sir, 

I have the honor to inform You of my arrival in Mexico, hav- 
ing been accredited in the Character of Charge d' Affaires of this 
Government. 

I take the earliest opportunity of communicating to you a note 
which I have this day received from the Mexican Government, in- 
timating that on the entry of their troops into the Territory of 
Texas, they will acknowledge no right, whether as respects their 
persons or their property, in such individuals as may be found 
established in that Country, and who may be taken prisoners, 
nor will they reply to any representations addressed to them in 
favour of such prisoners, — that they will treat all who may be 
found in Texas as actual invaders and enemies of the Eepublic, 
and will cause them to be punished according to the laws of 
Mexico. They also protest that they will not acknowledge any 
right in foreign Consuls found in that Territory to be treated 
otherwise than as Neutral Foreigners, intimating that such char- 
acter even will not be respected in case they oppose, either directly 
or indirectly the right, in its full extent, whereby Mexico is en- 
deavouring to recover possession of her Territory. 

I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of the reply which 
I have thought it my duty to return to this Communication of 
the Mexican Government. 
I have requested the Honble. Captain Elliot^ of Her Majesty's 

IF. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

^George Elliot, in command of H. M. S. Spartan until June 27, 1843, 



184 Texas State Historical Association 

Ship "Spartan'' to proceed to Galveston as soon as he may con- 
sider it compatible with the interests of Her Majesty's Service, in 
order that you may be enabled to take such Steps as may seem 
expedient to you for the protection of British Subjects and their 
interests under the extraordinary circumstances of this crisis, but 
as it is necessary that the "Spartan" should return without delay 
to the Mexican Ports for the purpose of conveying specie to our 
Colonies, I trust you will not find it necessary to detain her long. 

I have been informed that it is the intention of the Mexican 
Government, as soon as they shall have brought the Department 
of Yucatan back to its allegiance, to direct the Squadron, to- 
gether with a considerable land force, upon Texas, and as intelli- 
gence has just reached Mexico of the submission of Merida the 
Capital of Yucatan, and the adherence of Genl Yuran,^ a person 
of considerable influence among the aboriginals, who constitute a 
majority of the population, it is probable that the whole force 
now employed in that quarter may shortly be disposable for any 
operations which the present Government of this Eepublic may 
think fit to undertake. 

I shall also write to Admiral Sir Charles Adam,- to inform him 
of what has occured, in order that he may take whatever steps 
he may think necessary on this occasion 
Captain Charles Elliot. ^^^^^ W. Doyle 

[Endorsed] Inclosure No. 1 in Captn, Elliot's Despatch to 
Lord Aberdeen. No. 9. May 9th. 1843. 



ELLIOT TO DOYLE^ 

[Enclosure] Copy. Galveston May 7th. 1843. 

Charles Elliot 

Sir, 

I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 20th Ultimo, 
with its Inclosures. 

when he was promoted to the command of the Eurydice. (British Ses- 
sional Papers, 1844 — Commons — Vol. 33. Return of Naval Appointments 
from October 1, 1841, to March 1, 1844, p. 3.) 

^Santiago Iman. 

"Commander in Chief in the West Indies, 1841-1845. (Stephen, Diet. 
Nat. Biog., I, 85.) 

*F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 185 

It is to be wished that your note of the same date (20th April) 
to Senr. de Bocanegra may have reminded the Mexican Govern- 
ment of the grave character of any hostile movement against this 
Country preceded by a plain declaration of the determination to 
disregard treaty engagements between other Powers and this Ee- 
public, practically denying to the Governments of great and friendly 
Countries, any right to clothe their servants with a public char- 
acter in Texas, and further giving special warning that the Mexican 
Government will only consider these Officers to be neutral foreign- 
ers, and separate them from the classification of real invaders, and 
enemies of Mexico into which all other foreigners found in this 
Country are to be cast, and from punishment as such according 
to the laws of Mexico, upon the express condition that they neither 
directly or indirectly oppose themselves to the full exercise of the 
rights of Mexico to recover its authority over Texas, as expounded 
by the Mexican Government, and exercised by Mexican Military 
Officers 

In the event of the entrance of a Mexican force into this Coun- 
try Her Majesty's Officers here will regulate their proceedings, by 
the rules of public law, for the government of neutrals in such 
Cases. 

And if such a circumstance should take place before I can receive 
instructions from Her Majesty's Government, I shall consider 
it incumbent upon myself formally to declare and assert the privi- 
leges and immunities of Her Majesty's Officers in this Eepublic 
as well as the rights and liabilities of all Her Majesty's other sub- 
jects resident or trading here 

I shall also hold it to be my duty to protest against the conse- 
quences of any hostile movement founded upon the purposes or 
principals declared in Senr. de BocanagTar s note of the 20th Ulto. 
or to be undertaken till those principles and purposes shall have 
been authentically disclaimed and disavowed, so far as they menace 
the rights and safety of Her Majesty's Officers and Subjects resident 
or trading here. 

Charles Elliot. 

Percy Dojde, Esq. Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires Mexico. 

[Endorsed] Inclosure No. 2 in Captn. Elliot's Despatch to 
Lord Aberdeen. No. 9. 9th May. 1843. 



186 Texas State Historical Association 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. New Orleans, May 12th 1843 

My Lord 

On my arrival here whither I have taken the liberty to come on 
my way to Havanna to meet Mrs. Elliot I find that accounts have 
reached this place which do not seem to be doubted by persons 
competent to Judge, though they are certainly entirely at variance 
with those that reached us at Galveston by H. M. S. "Spartan" 
coming direct from Mexico. The last tidings, however, are neces- 
sarily much later, and I should presume more trustworthy. By 
them it appears that a divsion of the Mexican force moving upon 
Merida, and said to consist of nearly 2000 Men, found themselves 
compelled to surrender by Capitulation, from want of secure com- 
munications with their Squadron, and failure of Supplies. 

Agreeably to the reported terms of the Capitulation the surren- 
dering force was to depart for Mexico in 8 days, with their Arms, 
but their Artillery and Materiel to be held by the Yucantanese till 
affairs are finally adjusted between the contending parties. This 
event is said to have taken place on the 24th Ultimo. It is also 
reported that Commodore Moore with his two Texian Vessels of 
War have been partially engaged with the Mexican Steam Ships 
and succeeded in checking them. 

I use the freedom of this mode of communication to mention 
to Your Lordship that I am troubled with an Ague contracted 
in a long and painful Service in hot Countries, and I should con- 
sider it a favor if Your Lordship would sanction my passing the 
Months of July, August, and September in the Mountains of Ken- 
tucky where I have been advised as there are Springs of great 
virtue for Complaints of that kind. I have the less reluctance in 
proffering this request, as I can always be at my post within two 
weeks from that Situation, and be in the constant receipt of tidings 
from Texas of ten days or a fortnight's date. It may also be added 
that Congress in Texas does not meet till December, and the Offi- 
cers of the Texian Government usually disperse during the hot 
Season. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 187 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Seimrate. British Consulate 

Galveston, May 15th. 1843. 
My Lord. 

In the absence of Captain Elliot, Her Majesty's Charge d' 
Affaires in Texas, who left Galveston last week for ISTew Orleans, 
I have the honor to transmit Copies of three documents which 
have emanated from the Government of this Country, relative to 
the position of the Texian Navy now at Sea., and the steps taken 
by the Executive with, regard to it's Commander, Commodore 
Moore: namely, 

No. 1. Copy of a Proclamation by the President; dated March 
23rd. 1843.2 

No. 2. Copy of a desptach to Commodore Moore from the 
department of War and Marine; dated March 21st. 1843. 

No. 3. Copy of Instructions issued by the Executive to Com- 
missioners James Morgan and William Bryan Esquires, dated 
March 23rd. 1843 

In addition to the above, I have the honor to inclose the Copy 
of a despatch to Captain Elliott, and the Copy of a letter to the 
Collector of Customs at this port (as the intermediate agent of 
the President) in explanation of the Circumstances under which 
I have deemed it my duty to communicate to Your Lordship the 
papers herewith sent. 

I shall forward to Captain Elliott, under Cover to the British 
Consul at New Orleans, by the same Conveyance that bears this, 
the whole of the documents addressed by President Houston to 
Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires 

The President, writing to Captain Elliot, states that "All that 
has been done by Commodore Moore since the 5th Ultimo, has 
been in violation of orders, and under suspension and arrest." 
"On the 5th April," he adds "the order of the Department of 
War and Marine was placed in his (the Commodore's) hands." 

It seems to be the hope and wish of the President that Her 
Majesty's Government may receive the Proclamation and collateral 
documents as evidence of the sincere and anxious desire of his 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 

='The proclamation is printed in The Quaeteelt, XIII, 110-111. 



188 Texas State Historical Association 

Government to prevent aggressive Action against Mexico, unless 
offensive operations should be rendered necessary by the Conduct 
of that Country towards Texas. 

William Kennedy. 
H. B. M. Consul at Galveston 

May ICth. The Steamer for New Orleans has delayed its de- 
parture until today, which gives me the opportunity of forward- 
ing a published letter from Commodore Moore that has just ap- 
peared.^ W. K. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

HAMILTON" TO MOGEE.^ 

Copy. Department of War and Marine 

Washington 21st March, 1843. 
To Post Capt. E. W. Moore. T. N. 

New Orleans. 
Sir. 

Your Communication of the 10th inst. has just been received; 
by which the Department is advised of the receipt by you, of 
orders dated 23nd Jany. last requiring your immediate presence 
at the Seat of Government, and notified at the same time, that 
you decline the execution of the same. — Alleging as a reason for 
thus disregarding the plain and positive Commands of the Presi- 
dent, that you have been placed "in Command by the Constituted 
authorities of the Country, and acting under orders from the 
Department, from which source alone you look for orders (which 
have never been rescinded or countermanded'*). 

Notwithstanding the orders to you of 29th October, reiterated 
on the 5th and 16th November, to report with the vessels under 
your Command, at Galveston; which orders you acknowledge to 
have received, and which were repeated again on the 2nd Deer, 
with the additional injunction to report in person to the Depart- 
ment; and renewed on the 2nd of January^ — ^which last you have 
also received, as allusion is made to it in your Communication. 

'Page 193 below. 
T. O., Texas, Vol. 7. 

■''The order of Janiiary 2, 1843, is printed in Secret Journals of the 
Senate, Republic of Texas, 265. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 189 

The "Sealed Orders" to which you refer were issued under the 
belief that you could, with the means placed in your hands by the 
Govt, prepare the Squadron for sea, and on that condition alone. 
You failed to do so, rendered the orders null; and hence your 
orders to proceed to Galveston and report; which, in the opinion 
of the Department, countermanded your previous orders to cruize 
upon the Gulf. That you may distinctly understand the wishes of 
the Department, however, the "Sealed orders" of 15th Sept 18Jf2, 
together with all others, not in accordance ivith this, are hereby 
revoked. 

Any negociations which may have been concluded, or may now be 
in progress with the Commissioners of the Government of Yucatan, 
have been entered into without the Authority or sanction, or even 
knowledge of tlie Government, and will not be recognized by it. 

In consequence of your repeated disobedience of orders, and 
failure to keep the Department advised of your operations and 
proceedings, and to settle your accounts at the Treasury within 
three, or at most in six months from the receipt of the Mpney 
which has been disbursed as the laws require, and as you were 
recently ordered to do. You are hereby suspended from all Com- 
mand, and will report forthwith in Arrest, to the Department, in 
person. 

Any interference on your part with the Command, or with those 
who have been directed to assume it, will be regarded by the Gov- 
ermnent as Mutiny and Sedition, and punished accordingly. 
By Order of the President. 

M. C. Hamilton 
Actg. : Sec : War and Marine 
[Endorsed.] No 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch marked 

"Separate" of May 15th 1843. ^ 

HOUSTON TO MORGAN" AND BETAN^ 

^^Plf- Executive Department 

To James Morgan. Washington, Texas. 

and Wm. Bryan, Esquires. March 23d/43. 

Gentlemen, 

Your report of the 10th inst. with the accompanying papers, has 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



190 Texas State Historical Association 

been laid before me, by the acting head of the War and Marine 
Department. In full contemplation of all the subjects involved in 
the transaction, I must now render my orders, touching the at- 
tainment of the design of Congress, in passing the Secret act for 
the disposition of the Kavy.^ 

Col. William Bryan, Consul of Texas, and Naval Commissioner, 
will immediately proceed to New Orleans, and in connection with 
Col. James Morgan, also Naval Commissioner, employ all proper 
and legal means to get possession of the National vessels, the Ship 
Austin and Brig Wharton, likewise all the public Stores, arms, 
equipments, and public property, of every description, belong- 
ing to the Eepublic; holding the same subject to the future orders 
of the Government of Texas, Should any resistance be made to 
the orders of this Government, by any officer of the Navy, or by 
other persons, you will apply, in the name of this Government, to 
the Federal or other proper Authorities of the United States, and 
demand of the same, such aid, as may be compatible with the rela- 
tions of the two Countries, and the Laws of Nations 

Post Captain E. W. Moore has had no authority from this Gov- 
ernment, to Ship Men, appoint officers, enlist marines, or do any 
other act, or thing, but to sail to the port of Galveston, and report, 
or turn over the Command of the Navy to the Senior officer next 
in rank present, and report in person to the Department. Since 
the 29th October 1842, he has had no Authority to enter into any 
arrangements with Yucatan, nor could do so, without contumacy 
to his superiors, or treason to his Country. The fact of his shipping 
men, or enlisting or receiving, volunteer marines, with an inten- 
tion of going out to Sea, without the orders, or sanction of his 
Government, or contrary to order, on armed vessels, will clearly 
render it a case cognizable by the Government Authorities of the 
United States.* His setting nt "defiance the laws of his own Coun- 
try" to which he owes allegiance, is clearly treason. — When the 
orders under which he received his "Sealed Orders" were suspended, 
by the order for him to repair to Galveston, the "Sealed Orders" 
were of no avail, and it is his duty to return them "Sealed" to the 
Department: as the event authorizing the Seal to he hroJcen has 
not transpired, and can not now occur, under the Sanction of his 

^The secret act to provide for the sale of the navy of Texas is printed 
in Secret Journals of the Senate, Republic of Texas, 316. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 191 

Government. — His existence as an officer is derived from the organs 
and functionaries, under the Constitution and Laws of Texas, 
and he is bound to know and obey them. Not to obey, is "Unofficer- 
like" to "resist"' them is "Mutiny," and to "defy" them is "trea- 
son." For him to persist would be "Piracy." 

Should Post Captain E. W. Moore not forthwith render obedience 
to the orders of the Department, with which you are furnished, 
you will have published, in one or more Newspapers, in the City 
of New Orleans my Proclamation, and forward one authentic 
Copy with which you are furnished to the Hon. Ashbel Smith, 
Charge d' Affaires of Texas, to France, at Paris, and also a Copy 
to our Charge d' Affaires to the United States, the Hon. Isaac Van 
Zandt, at Washington City. 

It is deplorable for a Nation to be reduced to the dilemma of 
either exposing the Shameless delinquencies, and most flagrant 
crimes of her officers, or suffer herself to become the object of 
contempt, or the victim, of insubordination and anarchy. 

Our national humiliation is attributable to a few disorganizing 
men, who seek power without Merit, and a few incendiary presses, 
which are supported by such men, \^dth the avowed design, of pros- 
trating the Constitutional Officers, by Eevolution. Thei/ shall fail. 
— I suggest these facts^ that you may meet and counteract their in- 
fluence for the Nation's sake, and honor. I beseech you to intermit 
nothing, until you have accomplished, the objects of the law, for 
the prompt execution of which you were appointed 

Should sickness, or any other cause, prevent the Commissioners, 
from acting jointly, they, or either of them, may act in all things, 
separately and singly, but not adversely. 

Sam. Houston 
[Endorsed.] No 3. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch marked 

"Separate" of May loth 1843. 

KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^ 

Copi^/. British Consulate. 

Galveston, May 15th 1843. 
Sir, 

Major Cocke, Collector of Customs at this port, called upon 
me yesterday Morning, bearing a packet from President Houston, 

ip. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



192 Texas State Historical Association 

addressed to you, which I was given to understand the President 
was desirous I should open, in the event of your absence. — Packets 
containing similar enclosures — Major Cocke informed me — had 
been simultaneously transmitted to the Ministers of France and of 
the United States, resident at this place. 

Permit mo to refer you, for explanation of the course I deemed 
it best to pursue, to the enclosed Copy of a letter to Major Cocke, 
acknowledging the receipt of the packet and its enclosures 

I beg to assure you, Sir, that it was with reluctance, I opened a 

Communication addressed to you, notwithstanding the intimation 

of Major Cocke, who was aware of its contents. On this occasion, 

however, the persuasion that I should be acting as you would wish 

me to act under the circumstances, and that I should thereby 

best consult the interests of the service, induced me to waive 

my scruples, — More especially as the packet bore not the slightest 

intimation of being other than of a purely public character. 

„, ^ . ^„ -niT X T. AT William Kennedy 

Captam Chas. Elliot. E. N. ^ 

[Endorsed.] No 4. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch marked 

Separate of May 15. 1843. 

KENNEDY TO COCKE^ 

Copy. British Consulate. 

Galveston, May 15th 1843. 
Sir. -^ 

I beg to acknowledge the receipt, through your hands, on yester- 
day, of a packet transmitted by the President, General Sam Hous- 
ton, to Captain Elliot, E. N., Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d' 
Affaires in Texas, and, which in consonance with your suggestion, — 
as being agreeable to the wishes of the President, and otherwise ex- 
pedient, — I opened in your presence. — The said packet contained 
the following documents, viz:. — 

No. 1. Copy of a I'roclamation by the President of the Eepub- 
lic, respecting Coramoaore Moore and the Texian Navy; dated 
March 23rd 1843. 

No. 2. Copy of a Despatch to Commodore Moore, from the De- 
partment of War and ]\Iarine dated. March 21st 1843. 

No 3. Copy of Instructions issued by the President to the 

'F. 0., Texa.s, Vol. 7. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 193 

Commissioners, James Morgan and William Bryan, Esquires, dated 
March 23rd 1843. 

N"os. 4 and 5. Two letters from the President to Captain El- 
liot.i 

By the return of the Hon, Anson Jones Secty of State, to the 
Seat of Government, the President will have been apprized of the 
absence of Captain Elliot from Galveston, he having proceeded 
to New Orleans, for the purpose of meeting his lady at Havannahj 
on her way from England. Under the circumstances, and being in 
the receipt of no specific instructions, I shall feel it my duty forth- 
with to transmit the several documents heretofore named and 
ennumerated under cover to the British Consul at Kew Orleans, 
for Captain Elliot ; and to forward, at the same time, copies of the 
President's Proclamation, the Despatch to Commodore Moore, and 
the Instructions to the Commissioners, Messrs. Morgan and Bryan, 
to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. 

Do me the favour to convey to the President the assurance of my 
profound respect ^^,.^^.^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^_ 

H. B. M. Consul at Galveston 
Major Cocke, Collector of Customs. 

P. S. Should Captain Elliot be in New Orleans on the arrival of 
the New York Steamer, (by which I shall forward the communica- 
tions addressed to him by the President,) it will not, of course, be 
necessary for my Agent to transmit the documents I have men- 
tioned to Her Majesty's Secretary of State. 

[Endorsed.]. No. 5. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch, marked 
"Separate" of May loth. 1843. 

MOORE TO THE TEXAS TIMES^ 

Texas Sloop of War Austin, 
Outside N. E. Pass, Miss. 

April 19th, 1843. 
Mr. F. Pinckard, Editor of the Texas Times, 
Galveston, Texas. 
In the event of my being declared by proclamation by the Presi- 

^For the first of these letters, see Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 10, May 29, 
1843. The second is presumably Houston's letter of May 13, enclosed in 
Elliot to Aberdeen, Secret, June 8, 1843. Pp. 311-312, 318-321. 
^Quoted by The Morning SUir, May 18, 1843. 



194 Texas State Historical Association 

dent as a Pirate, or outlaw ; you will please state over my signature 
that I go down to attack the Mexican Squadron, with the consent 
and full concurrence of Col. James Morgan, who is on board this 
Ship as one of the Commissioners to carry into effect the secret act 
of Congress, in relation to the Navy, and who is going with me, 
believing as he does that it is the best thing that could be done 
for the country. 

This Ship and the brig have excellent men on board, and the offi- 
cers and men are all eager for the contest. — We go to make one 
desperate struggle to turn the tide of ill luck that has so long been 
running against Texas. 

You shall hear from me again as soon as possible. 

E. W. Moore. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. Foreign Office 

Captain Elliot. May 18th. 1843. 

No. 5.=^ 
Sir, 

I have received your Letter of the 29th of March, in which you 
inform me that a Texian Citizen named Eobinson had arrived in 
Texas bearing to the President of Texas from General Santa Anna 
Propositions of a peculiar but pacific character for the adjustment 
of the Differences between the Two Countries 

Those Propositions although calculated and perhaps intended to 
afford an opening for further Negotiations, do not appear to Her 
Majesty's Government to be of a very practical description, nor 
fitted in their present shape to create more than a faint hope of a 
satisfactory Settlement of those differences. But as Her Majesty's 
Government have received no Accounts from Mexico respecting 
those Propositions, and are therefore unable to judge of the Mo- 
tives which gave rise to them, or of the probable course which the 
Mexican Government intend to pursue in furtherance of them, or 
even of the authenticity of the Propositions themselves, which yet 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The concluding phrase of the last paragraph 
only has been printed in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Re- 
public of Texas, III, 1096; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 

^Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 Aberdeen to Elliot have been omitted. No. 1 trans- 
mitted correspondence with Ashbel Smith on tlie Guadalupe and Monte- 
zuma. No. 2 was an inquiry as to the fate of a Mr. Orr, and No. 3 in 
regard to a Mr. J. Dickson. No. 4 transmitted a despatch from Paken- 
ham, descriptive of the war between Mexico and Texas. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 



195 



appear uncertain, it is unnecessary, in the present stage of the 
business, to indulge in any speculations respecting this Matter. 

With regard to the project for the annexation of Texas to the 
United States, which has formed the subject ot some of your re- 
cent communications to this Office, Her Majesty's Government do 
not think it necessary to give you any Instructions at the present 
moment on that subject, further than to desire that you will as- 
sure the President of the continued interest which the British Grov- 
ernment takes in the prosperity and independence of the State of 
Texas; and of their full determination to persevere in employing 
their endeavours, whenever they see a reasonable hope of success, 
to bring about an adjustment of the differences still existing be- 
tween Mexico, and Texas, of which they so much lament the con- 
tinuance. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

N"©. 3. British Consulate 

Galveston, May 22nd. 1843. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose a return in duplicate of the prices of 
Agricultural produce- within the limits of the Galveston Con- 
sulate, for the Quarter ending 31st March, 1843, together with a 
Memorandum, in reference thereto, also in duplicate. Although I 
was not empowered to enter upon the duties of My office until the 
24th of February last, I have deemed it best to Commence these 
periodical Eeturns, which will be continued in regular succession, 
with the beginning of the year. 

From the observations in the ''Memorandum," it will be seen 
that there is, at present, no export of Corn or Grain from this 
Port, and that the Eeturn, as a register of the prices of this Class 
of domestic products, is almost valueless. Convenient lines of 
Communication must be opened and adequate means of transport 
provided before Galveston can possess a Corn Market worthy of the 
name. 

In conformity with the terms of Paragraph 14 of my "Instruc- 
tions," I have given the prices for each week of the quarter ; at the 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 

''Returns of corn and grain prices were frequently made by Kennedy, 
but they are not printed here as they were merely copies of current prices 
quoted in newspapers. 



196 T'exas State Hii^torical Association 

same time, I am inclined to think that, under the circumstances of 
price and Supply, a Quarterly, or Monthly, average of Com and 
Grain would be clear and more practically useful. 

When in London during the Autumn of last year, I had the 
pleasure of presenting to the Hydrographic Office, at the Ad- 
miralty, some documents illustrative of the geography of Texas. 
And it was suggested that I should endeavour to obtain for the 
Department, a Copy of the Chart of the Coast used in the Texian 
Navy, and drawn up from the observation of its Commodore. Since 
my arrival at my post, I have endeavoured, not only to meet this 
particular suggestion, but to collect such additional Materials as 
might elucidate the general aspect and character of the Coast and 
limitary lines of the Republic. On the 8th of this Month, I had the 
satisfaction to transmit to Captain Beaufort, by Her Majesty's Ship 
of War Spartan, then lying oif Galveston, the following documents ; 
viz : — 

1. General Chart of the Coast line of Texas, Compiled from 
the Observations of the Texian Commodore, and from the Bound- 
ary Survey made under the direction of the Commissioners of 
Texas and the United States. 

2. Tracings of the Boundary line between Texas and the United 
States. 

3. Large Plan of Galveston Island and Sketch. 

4. Government Survey of the entrance to Galveston, recently 
made. 

5. Survey of the Entrance to jMatagorda Bay, by the Texian 
Commodore. 

6. Eunning Survey of Corpus Christi and Aransas Bays. 

7. Survey of the Eio Grande, from the Mouth to the Mexican 
town of Mier. 

I hope to render these Materials, the Collection and Arrangement 
of which have entailed no expense upon the Admii-alty, still 
more complete, but I have reason to believe that the information 
they embrace is nearly as ample and as reliable as can Avell be ob- 
tained, until it shall please Her Majesty's Government to employ 
a Vessel in Surveying the Coast. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 197 

Memorandum accompanying the Return of Corn and Grain 

from the Port of Galveston, Texas, for the Quarter 

ending March 31st. ISJ^S."- 

Galveston. May 20th. 1843. 

The Corn and Grain trade of Galveston is, at present, alto- 
gether unimportant in a Commercial point of View. 

The only kind of grain yet produced, in noticeable quantities, 
throughout the lower section, or rich Cotton-growing region of 
Texas, indeed throughout the limits of the Eepublic— is Maize or 
Indian Corn ; And, in consequence of the imperfect State of Com- 
munication with the interior, but little of that finds its way into 
the Galveston Market. Nearly all the Corn and grain consumed 
on the Island is imported from New Orleans; whence, also, are 
received Supplies of flour and potatoes, and even hay, oats, poultry 
and pork.— Thus although Texas is one of the most fertile Coun- 
tries on the American Continent, the cost of living is higher at 
Galveston than in the United States or England. 

Texas, admirably adapted to the raising of Stock, and the Culti- 
vation of some of the more profitable products of tropical Agricul- 
ture, will, in all probability, never rank as a Corn-exporting Coun- 
try; as it is likely to prove sounder economy for the farmers to 
exchange the great Staples of the Eepublic for the flour and small 
grains of the Western States of the neighbouring Union, than to 
incur the outlay of erecting an independent Supply. 

There is no stock of Corn or grain in granary at Galveston. 
From New Orleans the importation is regular, being graduated by 
the wants of the population. Freight from New Orleans to Gal- 
veston is twenty Cents per bushel, for Corn, and fifteen Cents per 
bushel, for Oats. 

The only restriction on the grain trade is an import duty Amount- 
ing to twenty Cents per bushel on Indian Corn and fifteen Cents 
per bushel on Oats, with fifteen per Cent ad valorem on other 
grains. In common with other Articles of import, subjected to tax- 
ation, grain introduced from Countries with which Texas has no 
Commercial Treaty, is liable to an additional duty of five per 
Cent ad valorem. This duty is at present Levied on imports from 

^F, 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



198 Texas State Historical Association 

the United States^ owing to the non-renewal of the Treaty between 
the two Republics. 

Freights to England is three fourths of a penny per pound for 
Cotton, by which freights generally are governed. 

Exchanges at Galveston are ruled by the New Orleans rates. For 
the quarter ending March 31st. 1843, they ranged as follows, viz: — 

On the Dollar. 

January 10th. 1843 lOU to 102i Premium 

35th 1031 to 104. 

February 14th lOlf to 102i. 

25th lOOi to lOOf 

March lOth 100^ to lOH. 

24th 102 to 1021. 

[Endorsed] No 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch of May 22d 
1843. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 10. New Orleans. May 29th. 1843. 

My Lord. 

Mr Consul Kennedy's Despatch and its Inclosures will have 
placed Your Lordship in possession of the course taken by the Gov- 
ernment of Texas with respect to Commodore Moore in command 
of the Texian Vessels of War "Austin" and "Wharton" off the 
coast of Yucatan ; and I beg to add to the papers forwarded on that 
occasion the copy of a private letter from the President,^ the sub- 
stance of which your Lordship will observe He has desired should 
be communicated to Her Majesty's Government. 

The inclosure No. 2 is a Newspaper^ containing accounts of an 
affair between the Mexican Squadron and the Texian Vessels of 
War on the 16th Inst, off Campeche. These reports are said to be 
made by the Commodore, and his Brother acting as his Secretarj^, 
and I perceive no ground to question their genuineness 

It is proper to draw Your Lordship's attention to the details 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

-Houston to Elliot, May 6, 1843, in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspond- 
ence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1089; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 
1908, II. 

^Unidentified cutting. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 199 

reported in these notes respecting the display of the English Ensign 
at the main of the Mexican Steam Ship "Guadaloupe" previous to 
the commencement of the action, and the immediate hoisting of the 
English and American Ensigns at the fore :of the Texian Ship 
"Austin." jSTo further particulars concerning this feature of these 
transactions are stated: I may add however, that I shall lose no 
time in forwarding a copy of this despatch to the Commander in 
Chief on this Station, to whom I have already communicated the 
movements, and situation of the Texian Vessels of War. 

The recent proceedings of the Mexican Government towards the 
retaken Texian prisoners, joined to these accounts from the Coast 
of Yucatan and the measures of the President of Texas with re- 
spect to Commodore Moore, are said to be occasioning considerable 
excitement in this City, and probably more or less, throughout the 
whole Southern part of the Union. 



Charles Elliot. 



To the Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ABERDEEN TO KENNEDY^ 

Slave Trade No. 1. Foreign Office 

Draft to Mr. Wm. Kennedy. May 30. 1843. 

Sir, 

I have to desire that you will do your utmost to obtain for the 
Information of H. M's Govt answers to the following queries. 

1. What is at present the amount of the Population of the State 
in which you reside, and what the number of whites, and of col- 
oured people forming that Population, distinguishing Males from 
Females, and Free People from Slaves: — What was the amount 
of the population in the same State in the year 1832, and what 
was the amount in the year 1837, distinguishing the particulars as 
in the case of the present time ? 

2. Is it supposed that any Slaves have been imported into the 
Country within the last ten years, either direct from Africa or 
from other quarters; if so, how many in each year? 

'F. 0., Slave Trade, Vol. 479. This instruction and Kennedy's answers 
(September 5 and 6, 1843) have been printed in British Sessional Papers, 
1844, Slave Trade Correspondence, Class C, but are here inserted as of un- 
usual interest. Kennedy's reply of September 5, 1843, will be printed later 
in its chronological order. 



200 Texas State Historical Association 

3. Is the Slave protected by Law equally with a free man in 
criminal cases? 

4. What protection is there by Law to a Slave against ill-con- 
duct on the part of his Master? 

5. Is the evidence of a Slave received in a Court of Law? 

6. Is the Slave well or ill-fed, well or ill-treated? 

7. Is the Slave considered generally to enjoy as good health and 
to live as long as a free person? 

8. Is the Slave population considered to be on the increase, or 
decrease, and from what causes? 

9. Is the manumission of Slaves of common occurrence? 

10. Have the I^aws and Eegulations in respect to Slaves become 
more or less favourable to them, within the last ten years ? 

11. Is there in the State in which you reside a party favourable 
to the Abolition of Slavery? and what is the extent and Influence 
of such party ? And is such Party on the increase or otherwise ? 

12. Is there any difference in the eye of the Law between a free 
white and free coloured man ? 

13. Are free coloured men ever admitted to Offices of the State ? 

14. You will state whether you have drawn your answers from 
Public Documents, or from private Information ; and you will state 
whether any Periodical Census is taken of the Population within 
the district of your Consulate, and what was the last period at 
which it was taken. 

You will be careful to make your reply to each question as concise 

as possible. 

1 am, etc. 

Aberdeen 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. Foreign Office 

Captain Elliot. June 3, 1843. 

No. 6. 
Sir, 

AVith reference to your Letter dated the 29th of March, inclosing 
a printed Copy of the Propositions conveyed from General Santa 
Anna to the President of Texas, by the medium of Mr Eobinson, 
to which Letter I made a brief reply by my Despatch No. 5, of the 
18th Ultimo, I have now to communicate to you a Copy of a 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unsigned. 



Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 201 

Despatch from Mr. Pakenham, dated the 23d of March/ relative 
to those Propositions. They appear to have been made by Genl. 
Santa Anna in the full hope, and even expectation, that they would 
be accepted by the Government of Texas as the basis of an adjust- 
ment between Texas and IMexico. 

You will perceive from that Despatch that General Santa Anna 
has expressed his anxiety that Her Majesty's Government would 
employ their good offices in order to promote an arrangement be- 
tAveen Mexico and Texas on the footing laid down in those Proposi- 
tions. 

Although Her Majesty's Government do not intend to make 
themselves in any way a Party to this Transaction or to incur any 
responsibility respecting it, they are nevertheless perfectly willing 
to employ their good offices, in an entirely neutral and impartial 
sense, in order to bring about a peaceful and equitable adjustment 
of the differences existing between Texas and Mexico. 

It appears to Her Majesty's Government that the propositions of 
General Santa Anna go far to establish the virtual independence 
of Texas, although by the first of those Propositions Texas is 
required to acloiowledge the Sovereignty of Mexico 

Her Majesty's Government might have supposed that this latter 
demand had been put forward pro forma, and, to save appearances, 
were it not that they have learnt from Mr Pakenham, since his 
arrival in England, that he does not consider it at all probable that 
General Santa Anna will recede from this Demand, since, even 
were he personally disposed to do so, which he does not seem to be, 
public opinion would effectually oppose him in carrying out that in- 
clination. 

It may therefore be taken for granted that the demand for the 
recognition of the Sovereignty of Mexico will be adhered to by the 
Mexican Government. 

Under these circumstances it will be for the Government of 
Texas to determine whether the virtual independence of Texas 
would, in their opinion, be too dearly purchased at the price of the 
nominal concession required of them, or whether it may not be well 
to admit that concession, and to look to the future for the means 
of removing that sole remaining badge of their dependence. 

T. 0., Mexico, 161, No. 21. This despatch was written by Pakenham 
in Mexico, but carried in person to England. Doyle, as charge, was now 
the British diplomat at Mexico. 



202 Texas State Historical Association 

By adopting this course peace would be immediately secured, and 
with peace, commerce and agriculture would flourish, and the 
foundations of daily encreasing wealth and power would be at 
once laid. 

Difficulties will undoubtedly stand in the way of giving practical 
effect to the propositions submitted to Texas by Mexico; and it 
is very obvious that various Modifications will be required in those 
Propositions before they can be carried into execution. But if both 
Parties enter upon the task of endeavouring to bring about an ad- 
justment with good faith, and prosecute that task with temper and 
a full determination to bring it to a satisfactory issue, Her Maj- 
esty's Government do not perceive in the terms of accommodation 
proposed by Mexico any insurmountable obstacle to the conclusion 
of an agreement on equitable grounds between the Parties. 

Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to offer any advice 
to the Government of Texas in this mattei-; but I repeat that they 
will very readily lend their good offices, whenever called upon, in 
order to facilitate the termination of the existing Dispute. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. June 3d. 1843. 

Captain Elliot. 
No. 7. 
Sir. 

I transmit to you herewith for your information, a Copy of a 
despatch from H. M. Minister in Mexico- respecting the recapture 
of a Body of Texians who had been made prisoners in an unsuc- 
cessful attempt to penetrate into Mexico and had over]Dowered the 
escort in charge of them, and also respecting the measures adopted 
by Genl Santa Anna with regard to those prisoners. 

KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^ 

[Enclosure] British Consulate 

Copy. Galveston, June 5th 1843. 

Sir. 

The following information which I have received, when taken in 

T. O., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unsigned. 
=F. 0., Mexico, 161, No. 11, March 22, 1843. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. The letter is here placed in correct chronolog- 
ical order, though transmitted by Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 8, 1844. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 203 

connexion with the general character of the relations subsisting be- 
iween the United States and Texas, and the Critical Situation of 
the latter, appears to be of a sufficient importance to warrant the 
formality of a despatch. My informant, whose name I am not at 
liberty to mention is, I believe, quite worthy of trust, besides being 
a person of intelligence, and experience in the affairs of this Coun- 
try. — I give his statement from a Minute which I took at the time. 

"General Murphy"^ — (says my informant) — "the new Minister 
from the United States to this Eepublic, has but lately returned 
from a diplomatic Mission to the Republic of Colombia. He is 
now entrusted with a Special Mission to Texas * * * 

"The object of his present Mission is to submit Certain proposi- 
tions, with a view to some agreement between the United States 
and Texas. The ISTature of these propositions, or agreement, is not 
specified. The only known ground of surmise is included in the 
following observations, which dropped from him in conversation 
with the Mayor and a deputation of Citizens, this Morning, be- 
tween eleven and twelve o'clock. 

"Texas" — General Murphy remarked — "was virtually independ- 
ent, and the bombast of Mexico, like that of Spain, anticipated 
Matters that could never be accomplished. The border Warfare 
between Mexico and Texas was an evil which the United States 
would stop; and, in so doing, they would act in accordance with 
the sentiments of every other Civilized Nation. Texas should be, 
and, indeed, was independent, and all that could now be desired 
was a Security to emigTants to people the Country. The inhabit- 
ants of Texas wanted emigrants like themselves — and no others — 
Men spealdng their own language, and subject to their own Cus- 
toms and laws — ^Security would be given to such emigrants. — Our 
friends on the other side of the Water might be "much irritated 
and disappointed" (these latter, says my informant, are not the ex- 
act words, but, in meaning, they are substantially the same) — 
"at the Matter, hut what do we care for that? As a Virginian 
Member of Congress observed, in one of his Speeches at a former 
day — "For what reason should we ask for independence, when we 
are actually independent — what care we for that puny little Isle ?" 

I examined my informant as to the exact impression made upon 

^W. S. Murphy. 



304 Texas State Historical Association 

him by the Minister's tone and style of expression, when alluding 
to Great Britain: — his decided feeling, (he replied) was that they 
were unfriendly. 

When, with this information is conpled the recent introduction of 
a South Carolina politician (Mr. Legare)^ into the Cabinet of 
the United States, in the room of Mr Webster, and the attempt to 
displace Mr. Everett as American Minister to England,^ I am led 
to infer, Sir, that the observations of General Murphy, as reported 
to me, may not be wholly unworthy of your consideration. 

General M. has, I understand, announced his intention to pro- 
ceed to Washington on the Brazos, by way of Virginia Point, to- 
morrow. 

William Kennedy. 
Captain Elliot. E. E". 

Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires (at Galveston) 

Copy. British Consulate 

Galveston June 7th. 1843. 
Sir, 

In reference to my Communication (No 3) of the 5th Inst., I 
beg to state that, according to information, more recently received, 
General Murphy was accredited to Guatemala, instead of Colombia 

I have been further informed that he is an able engineer, much 
trusted by his Government, and that, during his Southern Mission, 
he made a Survey of the Country bordering on the river San Juan 
and the lake of Nicaragua, with a view to connect the Atlantic and 
Pacific Oceans by Means of a Canal Communication. 

William Kennedy 
Captain Elliot. E. N. 

[Endorsed]. Enclosure ISTo. 2. In Mr Consul Kennedj^'s despatch 
No. 7, dated May Sth, 1844. 

^Hugli Swinton Legare, a prominent lawyer, writer and politician of 
South Carolina. He was attorney-general of the United States under 
President Tyler and on Webster's resignation of the Secretaryship of 
State, conducted the duties of that office for a short period in 1843. 
(Appleton, Cyclopedia of Amer. Biog., Ill, 677.) 

=It was planned to have Webster replace Everett, but the latter clung 
to his position. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 205 

ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^ 

Secret. Galveston 

June 8th. 1843. 
My Lord. 

The Inclosure No 1 is the Copy of a private letter addressed to 
me by General Houston, which it is proper that I should transmit 
for the information of Her Majesty^s Government. In his posi- 
tion, he necessarily could not request nor directly authorize me to 
forward this communication of his private views to Your Lordship. 

But the subject of the letter is entirely political, and whilst I am 
sensible that these opinions have been communicated to me in the 
confidence of friendsJiip, I am also persuaded that General Houston 
must have felt that they would be made known to Your Lordship, 
and I am equally satisfied that it would be unnecessary and unsuit- 
able on my part to do more than mention my own earnest request 
that they should only be used for the private information of Her 
Majest3^^s Government. Your Lordship will readily conceive that 
in the state of feeling in this and the neighbouring Country, on 
such topics, they could not be publicly adverted to, without conse- 
quences of the highest inconvenience. 

It will be noticed that General Houston has alluded to some 
Newspaper attacks to which He has been exposed botli in this 
Country and the United States with respect to secret engagements 
with the British Government. And I should mention that the last 
time I conversed with him He touched upon these observations and 
strictures, at least as to the feelings of, Her Majesty's Government 
upon the existence of Slavery in Texas, for it had been alleged 
amongst other things that Her Majesty's Government had required 
the abolition of Slavery in one of the South American Eepublics as 
the price of it's Mediatorial Offices with another; And it was 
thence argued that the same Concession was required from Texas. 

I told General Houston that the sincere desire of Her Majesty's 
Government' to put an end to the Contest between Mexico and this 
Country had been frequently declared; that I was sure He would 
understand that no conditions were intended, which were not ex- 
pressed; and that the subject of Slavery in Texas had never been 
mentioned to me in any despatch from Her Majesty's Government, 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



206 Texas State Historical Association 

or by word of mouth. As to the feelings of the British Government 
and Nation upon the Subject of Slavery, abstractly considered, 
which seemed to be the foundation of these speculations of the 
press, they were well known to the whole World, and it was quite 
unnecessary to enter upon that topic ; But as He had alluded to this 
Institution in Texas, I could not help expressing my own opinion 
that it's existence was a Subject of deep regret. 

General Houston did not conceal his own opinions to the same 
effect, and added, that unless the propitious Moment of a Settle- 
ment of the difficulties with Mexico should be taken for devising 
some mode of getting rid of the Mischief, He foresaw that Texas 
would sooner or later become the "impound" of the Black and 
Coloured population of the United States, to the incalculable in- 
jury of it's well understood interests and happiness. 

Another point which will require a few words of comment is the 
allusion to the case of the Prisoners taken at Mier in whose behalf 
I wrote to Mr Packenham at General Houston's request. I for- 
warded Mr Packenham an extract from General Houston's letter 
to me upon the Subject, in which I understood him to reason that 
the Prisoners were entitled to the benefit of the Capitulation with 
the Mexican Commanding Officer, though He did not deny that the 
movement beyond the Rio Grande had been made upon their own 
responsibility. 

It seemed to me that his purpose in saying that was to free him- 
self from the imputation of using language of aversion to irregular 
incursionary Warfare in his Communications with foreign Govern- 
ments, whilst He sanctioned it in his orders to his own officers: 
But I certainly never supposed that General Houston intended or 
wished that any representations of that kind should be made to 
General Santa Ana. 

The accompanying extract from General Houston's letter upon 
the Subject will probably convince Your Lordship that his reason- 
ing was addressed to me for representation to Her Majesty's Min- 
ister at Mexico, and I am sure that it will be a source of great sur- 
prise and concern to Mr Packenham, and entirely contrary to the 
[his?] wishes, that any other use has been made of it. General 
Houston's present remarks are founded upon declarations nmde by 
Prisoners recently released through the good offices of the American 
Minister at Mexico which have foimd their way into the public 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 207 

press, to the effect that General Thompson shewed them the Copy 
of General Houston's letter to me communicated to him in confi- 
dence hy Mr. Packenham. It appears very probable that Mr. Paek- 
enham conferred with General Thompson upon ihe cause of these 
unfortunate people, but it is quite unnecessary to say that I am 
certain He never authorized the exhibition of General Houston's 
letter to these Texian Prisoners, or much less, gave the least room 
for the extremely unjust and injurious insinuation that General 
Houston wished to prejudice these jirisoners in the sight of the 
Mexican Government. 

Mr. Packenham's whole course in Mexico, with respect to the 
Government of Texas, and any Citizens of the Eepublic who fell 
into the hands of the Mexicans was marked by unvarying Consid- 
eration, and kindness, often too, as it is well known at considerable 
pecuniary Sacrifice, and it m-ay be depended upon that any com- 
munication He might have had with General Thompson upon this 
subject, was made in a spirit of perfect appreciation of General 
Houston's Motives, and of a cordial disposition to meet his wishes. 

I shall take occasion to say this to the President, and to add that 
I find it easier to believe that these released prisoner's misconceived 
General Thompson, than that He afforded them any ground to mis- 
represent General Houston's plain and kind purposes on their be- 
half. It remains to be hoped that there has been some mistake as 
to the representation that General Thompson shewed any of these 
released prisoners a Communication He had received from Mr 
Packenham in a confidential way. 

I have taken the liberty of forwarding the original of General 
Houston's private letter to me, because it does not appear to me to 
be desirable to retain it in this Countrj^, in case of accident to my 
papers. 

p 5. Charles Elliot. 

I abstain from offering any opinion upon the probable turn of 

affairs as respects this Country, in the present crisis, because with 

all things in a deplorable and helpless condition here, it is plain 

that results must depend chiefly on events, or Kegociations beyond 

my sphere of observation ^, , ^^■,. . 

•^ ^ Charles Elliot 

The Eight Plonorable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



208 Texas Siaie Historical Association 

HOUSTON TO ELLIOT^ 

[Enclosure.] Washington May 13th 18-13. 

(Private.) 

My Dear Captain 

We are mnch excluded here from important intelligence, among 
which may be reckoned the thriUing events passing in your Com- 
munity of Galveston. We occasionally receive papers from the 
United States, and from them learn that they are taking a very 
deep interest in the Welfare of Texas — so far at least as the pa- 
triotic effusions of editors go. I may be mistaken, but I think the 
course pursued there is not difficult of comprehension. 

For Texas not to be completely subservient to the United States, 
is regarded by them as rebellious and ungrateful. Their political 
parties have not yet determined what capital is to be made out of 
us; and the Southern section at least, with a hope of ultimate an- 
nexation, is unwilling that any change from our present attitude 
should take place. They perceive that, if a pacification is brought 
about between Texas and Mexico, by England, we must know that 
it will result more from generous feeling than from a hope of 
pecuniary gain, and will necessarily inspire, on the part of Texas, 
feelings of kindness arising from a sense of obligation. The quid 
pro quo of five Millions cannot be the desideratum with England 
now, for the time for that has passed by- 

If England produces a pacification between this Country and 
Mexico, she will thereby secure a friend on the gulf whose con- 
tiguity to the United States, in the event of a War, would not be 
desirable to that country. All movements on the part of the U. 
States would seem to indicate that they have an eye to a rupture 
at some period not remote. But I need not suggest this to a 
gentleman of your observation. The genius as well as the excitabil- 
ity of that people, united to a bold and generous daring, impel 
them to war. Their love of Dominion, and the extension of their 
territorial limits, also, is equal to that of Rome in the last ages 
of the Commonwealth and the first of the Caesars. 

The Continent of North America is regarded by the people of 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. G, 

=This refers to the plan whereby Texas was to assume five millions of 
the Mexican debt if Great Britain was instrumental in securing recognition 
of Texas by Mexico. 



British Corresporidence Concerning Texas 209 

the U. States as their birth-right — to be secured by policy, if they 
can, by force if they must. Heretofore Texas has been looked upon 
as an appendage to the U. States. They cannot realise that we 
now form two Nations. Therefore every act done in reference to 
us by any power of which they are jealous, or for which they do 
not cherish kind national feelings, is regarded as an unauthorized 
interference and necessarily provokes their denunciation. 

This is the case at present in relation to England, British in- 
fluence and every ridiculous humbug which their crazed imagina- 
tions can start, are conjured up and marshalled in fearful array 
for the purpose of alarming Texas, exciting disorder, producing 
disrespect towards England, and compelling us to look to the U. 
States as our only hope of political salvation. They are willing 
to see Texas tantalized by every annoyance until, in a fit of despair, 
she is compelled to identify herself with them, and by some act of 
good fortune become incorporated with them — though they cannot 
precisely point out the means. 

In support of this opinion, the rejection of the late treaty with 
us, by the U. States Senate, to my mind, was not at all an equiv- 
ocal expression of the notions of that Country in relation to Texas. 
It was assigned as a reason, though not in debate, that the Condi- 
tion of Texas was such as to render them reluctant to form closer 
connexions with us than those already established by their recog- 
nition of our independence, and such provisions as they could make 
in our favor by Law. Such reasons, I presume, have never been 
uttered concerning any other nation, since the establisliment of 
Hayti. The humility of our condition, however, compels us to 
pocket this; as the U. States regard us, from their expressions, 
nothing more than a pocket attached to their outer robe. 

I shall look with amusing interest to the journals of the U. 
States for a formal denunciation of the Executive for having en- 
forced the law requiring a discriminating duty upon articles im- 
ported from countries not in treaty with us. It will not be the 
law or people of Texas, I apprehend, that will be blamed, but the 
Executive for having the audacity to enforce the law against them. 
But so long as Texas does exist, I am determined, that if I should 
not be so fortunate as to conciliate good opinion, I will at least 
evince to the world that, so far as any merit may attach to the 



210 Texas State Historical Association 

execution of her laws, so far as I have the power, I shall he en- 
titled to it. 

Texas has once evinced a willingness, amounting to unexampled 
unanimity, to become annexed to the United States, We sought 
the boon with humble supplications. In this posture we remained 
in the outer- porch of their Capital for many months. Our solici- 
tations were heard with apathy. Our urgency was responded to 
Avith politic indifference. Apprised of this, I directed our Minister 
to withdraw the proposition. This I did from a sense of national 
dignity. Since that time Texas has not renewed the proposition; 
and the United States now, in order to get it into an attitude be- 
fore them that would be creditable to them, desire no doubt that 
Texas should again come forward soliciting the boon. They have 
not as yet received such indications as they desire. If it were the 
case, it would place the subject before the poli[ti]cal parties of the 
U. States, in a position different from that in which it now rests. 
In that event there would be but one question to ask: Shall the 
Annexation of Texas to the U. States take place ? As it is, there 
are two: First, Is Texas willing to be annexed? Second, in that 
case, shall it be annexed ? This renders the matter more compli- 
cated and produces feelings of excitement and irritibility that in- 
duce the leading journals of certain sections in that Country to 
traduce and vilify the authorities of Texas in a very unbecoming 
manner. This I presume is done by [way?] of whipping prom- 
inent Men into the list of petitioners. 

Again, if war between the U. States and England should take 
place, and the independence of Texas not be recognized by Mexico, 
or not annexed to the U. States, under the excitement and commo- 
tion which would exist in a state of war, the contiguity of a 
situation united with kindred inhabitants, would, without form of 
law, amalgamate us with the U. States. If however the independ- 
ence of Texas should be recognized through the medium of English 
influence, such a result could never take place. If the U. States 
upon the Gulf can maintain a parallel influence to that which they 
may establish on the Pacific, Texas will become a cantonment for 
the pioneers in the van of that mighty advance whose political 
power will not halt short of the isthmus of Darien. If Texas is 
sustained as an independent Nation, it will necessarily retard the 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 211 

consummation of schemes which, though now but in embrj^o, will 
at some future period be developed by much human suffering. 

It is not selfishness in me to say that I desire to see Texas occupy 
an independent position among the Nation's of the earth, to which 
she is justly entitled by her enterprise, daring, sufferings and pri- 
vations. The blood of her martyrs has been sufficient to give 
cement to the foundation of a great nation, and if her independence 
be steadily [speedily?] recognized by Mexico, heaven will direct 
and carry out her destiny to a glorious consummation. Every day 
that it is delayed affords to demagogues a theatre for mischief, and 
when repose should refresh her, factious political incendiaries are 
marching about with their torches of discord. I am wearj^ of this 
state of things. All that Texas requires, to make her healthy and 
vigorous is a respite from execution. 

I cannot believe that all this fustian about British influence and 
abolition in Texas, has its origin with the Government of the U. 
States, But in a Country where the Chief of it is elective in ninety 
nine cases out of one hundred, I presume the Administration de- 
rives complexion from the Clamours, or what is supposed to be 
the feelings, of the people. If so, as far as Southern influence can 
be exercised upon the Administration of that Govt, it is highly 
probable that the Agency of England, exercised in behalf of this 
Country would not receive a hearty cooperation from all the agents 
which that Government may have employed. Of Mr Tyler my 
opinion is too exalted to think that he would sanction a course so 
much at war with the avowed wishes of that Government — its nat- 
ural Character and the rights of hmnanity. 

If the prisoners who have been released by Santa Anna have 
reported truly the conduct of Genl. Thompson in Mexico, he could 
have had but one object in view, and that was, by the return of 
those gentlemen to create a strong prejudice against the representa- 
tive of Her Britannic Majesty in Texas, as well as the Executive, 
who was understood to be on terms of personal friendship with him 
and entertaining at the same time for his character and capacity 
the highest respect. If Gen. Thompson really has stated, as repre- 
sented, confidentially, to every prisoner with whom he conversed, 
that Mr Pakenham, enjoining secrecy, had shown him a letter from 
yourself, stating that I had written to you desiring your interfer- 



212 Texas State Historical Association 

ence — representing that the Mier prisoners had gone into the 
enemy's territory in violation of My orders, and that I hoped that 
Santa Anna would show them mercy etc. and if Gen. Thompson 
gave these things such a coloring as represented, the object is too 
plain. If Mr. Pakenham showed to Gen. Thompson any letter, it 
must certainly have been showTi under, as he himself declared, 
injunctions of secrecy, and by violating these injunctions he acted 
in bad faith. Again — If its facts had been as represented by G«n. 
Thompson, they could not have prevented Mr Pakenham, as a 
gentleman, from exercising any influence in behalf of humanity ; 
which, as an individual, he might possess. I regret that Gen. 
Thompson has placed himself in the attitude he occupies. By his 
own showing he was unauthorised, and I much fear that neither the 
act nor the motives will find a justification in truth. Mr. Paken- 
ham will certainly regard it as an act of discourtesy on the part 
of Gen Thompson, if not one of faithlessness; Being fortified as 
I am, and being assured, from your intelligence, and feelings, that 
you would pursue no course, but one induced by the highest princi- 
ples of honor and generosity, I am very much at ease, 

I regret that our friends in the U. States should have any un- 
easiness on the Subject of Santa Anna's propositions. If we were 
to judge from the Newspapers, as well as from the private Corre- 
spondence which I receive, we might conclude that there was dan- 
ger of my being favorable to retrocession to Mexico; and as for the 
subject of Texas becoming a British Colony and abolition in Texas, 
and all that, they have been exclusively confined, so far as I can 
learn, to Galveston, and Houston. I have never understood that 
they have been discussed in any other sections of the Eepublic. So 
I can neither sympathize with the distresses of our friends, nor can 
I entertain commiseration for their ridiculous credulity. 

From our Charge d' Affaires in Europe, we have had no recent 
advices. I am exceedingly anxious to hear what course Her 
Majesty's Government has taken on the subject of the Protest, as 
well as the course of the French Governmt. 

I would be very happy to hear from you by every safe opportu- 
nity; and, if any thing important, by express 

I hope you have had a very satisfactory interview with Doctor 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 213 

Jones, Secretary of State, relative to the consistent policy of this 
Government. 

Sam. Houston 
Captain Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.] Inclosure No 1 in Captain Elliot's despatch "Secret" 
to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston June 8. 1843. 

HOUSTON TO ELLIOT^ 

[Enclosure]. Extract of a letter from General Houston to Captain 
Elliot marked "Private" and dated at. 

Washington Jany. 24th. 1843.^ 

"In relation to this Subject I am constrained to solicit the 
kindness of you should it not be out of the line of your official 
Action, that you would address Her Majesty's Minister at Mexico, 
and bad as matters are, make this representation. 

"It is true that the Men went without orders ; And so far as that 
was concerned the Government of Texas was not responsible, and 
the Men thereby placed themselves out of the protection of the rules 
of War. This much is granted. But the Mexican Officers by pro- 
posing terms of Capitulation to the Men relieved them from the 
responsibility which they had incurred, and the moment that the 
Men surrendered in accordance with the proposals of Capitulation 
they became prisoners of War, and were entitled to all immunities 
as such. Upon this view of the Subject I base my hopes of their 
Salvation, if it should be speedily presented, thro' the agency of 
Her Majesty's Minister to the Mexican Government. Should it be 
proper to do so I feel assured that your kind offices will not be 
wanting in an early application upon the Subject. 

This view of the Subject seems to me the only feasible one which 
has presented itself to my mind" 

Copy. 

Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.] Inclosure No 2 in Captain Elliot's despatch "Se- 
cret" to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston. June 8th. 1843. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 
^See above, page 154. 



214 Texas State Historical Association 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

N"o. 4. British Consulate 

Galveston. June 9tli 1843 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to ti"ansmit enclosed the following docmnents 
relating to the trade and commerce and Maritime regulations of 
the Eepublic of Texas, and the Consulate of Galveston ; namely : — 

The present TarifE of the Eepublic of Texas. - 

Historical Abstract in reference to the Tariff. 

Eeturn of the British and Foreign Trade at Galveston for the 
year ending 31st December 1842.^ 

Eeturn of British Trade at Galveston for the year ending 31st 
December 1842.2 

Charges on Shipping in the ports of Texas — Pilotage Eegula- 
tions at Galveston/ description of the National Flag of Texas.* 

Eegulations for the Coasting Trade and Protection of Texian 
Shipping^ 

Warehousing of Goods and Drawbacks" 

I beg to observe that I have drawn up the "Historical Abstract" 
for the purpose of rendering the series of official documents more 
complete, and have furnished trade Eeturns for 1842 — the year 
previous to my arrival at my post — in order to note, by comparison 
with the Eeturns for the Current year, the Commercial progress, 
or retrogression, of the Eepublic. 

"William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 

''Omitted. 

"Omitted, since the matter submitted by Kennedy is a synopsis of "an 
act regulating the appointment and duties of pilots at the Port of Gal- 
veston," approved February 4, 1842 (Gammel, Laics of Texas, II, 773. 
774). 

*The description of the Texas flag is copied from the act approved 
January 25, 1839 (Ihid., II, 88). 

"Under this title Kennedy submitted a synopsis of "an act for the 
regulation of the coasting trade and the protection of Texian shipping," 
approved January 4, 1841 {Ibid., II, 479-482). 

''Under this title Kennedy submitted a synopsis of "an act to pro- 
vide and establish the warehousing svstem in the ports of this Republic," 
approved February 5, 1840 (Ibid., II, 225-229). 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 215 

Historical Abstract, in reference to the Tariff of the Republic of 
Texas, in operation on the first of June ISJ^S^ 

On the 17th of January 1821, Moses Austin, a Native of New 
England, obtained permission from the Supreme Government of 
the Eastern Intenial Provinces of Mexico, to introduce three hun- 
dred families as Colonists from Louisiana into Texas. 

In consequence of Moses Austin's death, his project of Coloniza- 
tion was taken up and prosecuted by his Son, Stephen, who was 
obliged, in 1822, to apply to the Authorities of revolutionized 
Mexico, for Confirmation of the privilege which had been conceded 
to his father by the Authorities of old Spain. On the 4th of Jan- 
uary 1823, a Colonization law, approved by the INIexican Emperor 
Iturbide, was promulgated, and, on the 18th of February of the 
same year, an Imperial Decree was issued, empowering Austin to 
found a Colony under the provisions of the general law. 

A revolutionary Movement having displaced Iturbide, and the 
Government which succeeded him, having decreed the Nullity 
of all Imperial titles, Austin was Constrained to Solicit the Con- 
iirmation of his Concession from the Congi-ess of Mexico. This he 
obtained on the 14th of April 1823, which may, therefore, be re- 
corded as the legal date of the Commencement of Anglo American 
Colonization in Texas. 

To encourage the settlement of her waste frontier lands, 
and thereby interpose a barrier against Indian aggi-ession, and 
streng-then herself against Spanish attempts at reconquest, Mexico 
held out various inducements to the earlier Colonists of Texas, and, 
among them, a temporary exemption from tithes and taxes. By 
Article 24, of the j\Iexican Colonization Law of the 4th of January 
1823, it was enacted that, during Six Years from the date of the 
Concession, the Colonists should not pay tithes, or duties, on their 
produce, nor any Contribution whatever, of a public kind. 

By Article 25, of the same law, it was enacted that, during the 
Six years, immediately succeeding the termination of the first spec- 
ified period the Colonists should pay half the tithes and half the 
Contributions, direct and indirect, that were paid by Native Citi- 
zens. 

These enactments emanated from the General Government of 
Mexico. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



216 Texas State Historical Association 

The State of Coahuila and Texas, as a Member of the Mexican 
Federation, by Article 32, of a Colonization Law passed by its 
Legislature on the 24th March 1825, ordained that, during the 
first ten years, — reckoning from the Commencement of the Settle- 
ment, — Colonists within the limits of the State should be free 
from every kind of public Contribution, except such as were gen- 
erally demanded to prevent, or repel, foreign invasion. — After ten 
years, new Settlers were to bear an equal proportion of the public 
burthens with Native Citizens. 

The law containing these provisions was repealed by an Act dated 
April 28th 1832. which exempted all "New towns," for ten years, 
from the time of their foundation, from every description of tax, 
except Contributions for defence against foreign invasion. For 
the Site of each of these "New towns," the State appropriated 
four Square leagues of land. 

The establishment of Custom-houses in Texas, and of garrisoned 
posts to enforce the Collection of the National Eevenue, which fol- 
lowed the periods of exemption from taxation granted to the in- 
fant Settlements, formed with the Colonists prominent Causes 
of dissatisfaction, while, on the other hand, the infraction of fiscal 
enactments was regarded by the Government of Mexico as indica- 
tive of an ungrateful and rebellious Spirit on the part of Men 
invited by its liberality to occupy its fertile lauds. In June 1833, 
a party of Colonists attacked and Captured the Mexican garrison 
at the port of Velasco. — in April 1833, petitions complaining of 
the Tariff, and praying for the privilege of free importation, for a 
term of three Years, of the most important Articles of Consump- 
tion, were transmitted by the Colonists to the General Government. 
— in the Autumn of 1834, a number of persons seized the Collector 
of Customs at Anahuac, and expelled the Military stationed at his 
post, — and, in the Autumn of 1835, Texas and Mexico were in a 
State of open Warfare, 

In November 1835, a Convention was called in Texas, and a 
Provisional Government proclaimed, which Conferred on a Gov- 
ernor and Council the power "to impose and regulate Impost and 
Tonnage Duties, and to provide for their Collection under such 
Regulations as might be deemed expedient" 

An Ordinance of the Provisional Government, imposing certain 
duties of Customs, passed on the 12th of December 1835, was re- 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 217 

pealed by another Ordinance on the 27th of the same Month, which 
placed a duty of twenty five per Cent, ad Valorem, on such goods, 
wares, and Merchandize as Avere "entitled to a debenture" in the 
port of Shipment, and a duty of fifteen per Cent, ad Valorem, on 
such as were not entitled to debenture. — Articles imported hona 
fide for the use of emigrants, including farming implements, house- 
hold furniture, provisions, stores and Machinery of all kinds, were 
to be admitted free. 

The declaration and establishment of the independence of Texas, 
and the adoption of a Constitution of its inhabitants, were fol- 
lowed by the Convocation of a Congress, which, on the 20th of 
December, 1836, passed an Act "to raise a Revenue by Impost 
Duties," under which the following charges were exigible : — 

On Invoice price of Wines, Spirituous and Malt liquors 45 per 
Cent ad Valorem. 

Silk goods, and all Manufactures of Silk 50 per Cent ad Va- 
lorem. 

Sugar and Coffee 2^ ad Valorem. 

Teas 25 ad Valorem. 

Bread Stuffs 1 ad Valorem. 

Iron and Castings — 10 per Cent ad val. 

Coarse Clothing, Shirtings, Shoes, blankets Kerseys, Sattinets, 
and Stuffs formed of a Mixture of Cotton and Wool. 10 per Cent 
ad Valorem. 

All the non-ennumerated goods an ad Valorem duty of twenty 
five per Cent on invoice price. 

Another, and more Comprehensive, Customs law was passed on 
the 12th of June 1837 "for the purpose of raising a revenue to 
aid in defraying the public expences, sustaining the public Credit, 
and securing to the public Creditors a fair Annual, or semi-Annual 
interest on the Shares of Stock in the funded debt." 

The Tariff underwent a farther revision by an Act passed on the 
5th of February 1840, to which the law at present in operation is 
termed "Supplementary" 

It is to be observed that the receipt of duties in jSTational paper, 
profusely issued, on an unsound basis, — and, of course, rapidly 
depreciated, — has from time to time, caused the Tariff to appear 
much higher than it really was, and the successive endeavours to 
realize, Amidst the Confusion occasioned by a spurious Currency, 



218 Texas State Historical Association 

an adequate, tangible revenue, has imparted a capricious charac- 
ter to the fiscal legislation of the Republic, discouraging and in- 
jurious to the Merchant and the emigrant. The duties, at present, 
are receivable only in gold and silver, or in "Exchequer Bills," 
at their Marlcet value. 

There is a general and increasing feeling in favor of diminished 
duties, vidth a view to the ultimate adoption of a System of Free 
Trade, but no material alteration in this direction can well be an- 
ticipated until the Country is tranquillized in regard to its ex- 
ternal relations 

More than two thirds of the revenue derived from Customs is 
received at the port of Galveston. The Eastern Counties of Texas, 
which possess a comparatively dense population. Contribute but a 
small proportion to the public funds, owing to their geographical 
position, which secures impunity to the Smuggler. The gross 
amount received at the port of Galveston for the year ending the 
31st of December. 1842, may be set doAvn, in round numbers, at 
110,000 (one hundred and ten thousand) dollars; the receipts for 
the same period at Brazos, Matagorda, Eed River, San Augustine, 
and Sabine at 30,000 (thirty thousand) dollars. The average ex- 
pense of Collection was a fraction above fourteen per Cent. 

The attempts hitherto made to raise a revenue by direct taxation 
have been unsuccessful 

[Endorsed.] No. 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch of 9th 
June. 1843. 

Charges on Shipping in the Ports of Texas'^ 

Tonnage Duty. All Sailing Vessels entering any port of the 
Republic, from any foreign port or place, are chargeable with a 
tonnage duty of Sixty Cents per ton, and Steam boats with thirty 
Cents, according to registered tonnage. 

Entrance. Any Ship, or Vessel, of less than one hundred tons 
burthen, pays one dollar and a half, of one hundred and upward, 
two dollars and a half, — 

Clearance. For every clearance of Vessels of the above-men- 
tioned burthen, the same fees respectively. 

Port Entry. Two dollars. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 219 

Permit to land goods. Twenty Cents. 

Bond taken Officially. Forty Cents. 

Permit to land goods for exportation that may he entitled to 
debenture, or official Certificate. Forty Cents. 

Bill of Health. Twenty Cents 

For every document (registers excepted) required by any Mer- 
chant, Owner, or Master of any Ship, or Vessel, not before enumer- 
ated. Twenty Cents. 

[Endorsed.] Ko. 5. In Mr. Consul Kennedy's despatch of 9th 
June. 1843. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 13.2 Galveston, June 10th. 1843. 

My Lord, 

Mer Majesty's Sloop "Scylla" arrived last night from Vera Cruz 
bringing me a Despatch from Mr. Percy Doyle Her Majesty's 
Charge d' Affaires at Mexico of which I have the honor to trans- 
mit a Copy, as well as a Copy of the Communication I have there- 
upon addressed to the Secretary of State of this Eepublic.^ 

The departure of the Steam boat for New Orleans, prevents me 
from adding more upon this occasion. I should mention however, 
that in the state of understanding between the Government of Her 
Majesty, and that of the King of the French concerning the close 
of the Contest between this Eepublic and Mexico, I have felt it 
right to communicate the subject of Mr Doyle's despatch in confi- 
dence to my Colleague Monsieur de Cramayel; And He concurs 
with me that every suitable effort should be made to dispose the 
ifovernment of this Eepublic to meet these advances of the Presi- 
lient of Mexico. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
Downing Street 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

-No. 11, Elliot to Aberdeen, on the Elisa Russell claims, has been 
omitted. 

'Elliot to Jones, June 10, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence 
of the Republic of Texas, III, 1090; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 



220 Texas State Historical Association 

DOYLE TO ELLIOT^ 

[Enclosure.] Mexico, 27 May. 1843. 

Copy. 

Charles Elliot. 
Sir, 

I have the honor to inform you that at an interview which took 
place with His Excellency the President General Santa Ana on 
the 24th Instant, He spoke to me a good deal about the present po- 
sition of this Country with Texas, and added that He was ready to 
treat upon the terms proposed by him and forwarded tlirough Mr 
Eobinson, with which you are acquainted. I pressed him as much 
as possible with respect to the fallacy of the plan with respect to 
the Sovereignty of Mexico being acknowledged by Texas; but at 
present He does not seem at all inclined to give way on that point. 

*I further stated to him how useless I felt it would be to send 
Commissioners to treat on any terms so long as the present warfare 
was carried on; and His Excellency has Authorized me to acquaint 
you for the information of General Houston, tliat He will agree 
to an Armistice, and He told me he would at once give orders for a 
total cessation of hostilities on his part, and requested that General 
Houston would send similar orders to the different Officers Com- 
manding the Texian forces ; and that in such case He was ready to 
receive any Commissioners which might be sent from Texas to treat 
on the terms proposed by him*^ 

I am of the same opinion with yourself respecting the total 
fallacy and impolicy of that part of the plan of the President 
Santa Ana claiming an empty Sovereignty over Texas, but as I 
collected from your Correspondence how important you felt it to 
be that an armistice should be granted, and even intimated that a 
large party in Texas with a view of doing what they thought best 
for them at the present moment might accept General Santa Ana's 
proposition, I felt it my duty to accept the offer He made and 
acquainted him that T would write to you on this Matter without 
loss of time. 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 

^Tliis paragraph only is printed in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence 
of the Republic of Texas, III, 1091; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 
"The portion of this Despatch contained within the crosses [asterisks], is 
the portion which has been communicated to the Grovernment of Texas. — 
Charles Elliot." 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 221 

I have by the last packet informed Lord Aberdeen of what has 
taken place. 

Percy Doyle. 
To Captain Charles Elliot, R. N. 
[Endorsed]. Inclosure No 1 in Capt. Elliot's despatch No. 12. to 

the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston June 10th 1843. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 13. Galveston June 21st 1843. 

My Lord, 

Thinking it possible that Her Majesty's Sloop "Scylla" may catch 
the Mail of the 29th at Vera Cruz, I have the honor to forward by 
her the accompanying Copy of the Proclamation of Armistice issued 
by this Government.* 

But as it seems probable that my Communication through the 
United States will reach England before the Mail from Mexico I 
shall transmit the Correspondence connected with this Affair 
through the usual channel. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
Downing Street 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 15.^ Galveston, June 22nd 1843. 

My Lord, 

Having reference to my dispatch No. 12 of the 10th Instant I 
have now the honor to transmit to Your Lordship the reply of the 
Secretary of State of this Eepublic to my Note to him/ a Copy of 
which was forwarded in the despatch No. 12. 

I beg also to transmit a Copy of the Proclamation of the Armis- 
tice issued by the President of Texas, and a Copy of the despatch I 

=F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

*A proclamation suspending hostilities with Mexico, June 15, 1843. 
Printed in 'Niles' Register, LXIV, 307. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

^No. 14, Elliot to Aberdeen, on the whereabouts of Mr. John Orr, has 
been omitted. 

'Jones to Elliott, June 15, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence 
of the EepuUic of Texas, III, 1092-1093; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 
1908, II. 



222 Texas State Historical Association 

addressed to Mr. Doyle in reply to his of the 27th Ultimo, a Copy 
of which has already been forwarded to Your Lordship in my 
despatch No 12. 

I also avail myself of this occasion to acloiowledge Your Lord- 
ship's despatch No. 5 of the 10th Ultimo/ and to transmit a Copy 
of .the note I have thereupon addressed to Mr. Jones.^ 

To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. 

Downing Street 

ELLIOT TO DOYLE^'' 

[Enclosure]. Galveston June 21st 1843. 

Sir, 

I have the honor to acknowledge Your despatch of the 27th 
Ultimo by Her Majesty's Sloop "Scylla" (received here upon the 
night of the 9 Instant) and in reply I beg leave to transmit to you. 

1st. Copy of a Note from myself to the Secretairy of State of 
this Republic, dated on the 10th Instant." 

2d. Copy of the reply of the Secretary of State to my Note of 
the 10th Instant, dated 15th Instant. ^^ 

3d. An authentic Copy of a Proclamation of Armistice by the 
President of Texas, dated 15 Instant." 

I trust that it will be in your power to induce the President of 
Mexico to accede to the arrangement made by this Government 
respecting the duration of the Armistice pending the Negotiations 
for peace, and till due notice of a determination to renew hostili- 
ties upon the part of either Government should be given to the 
other through Her Majesty's Representatives in Mexico and Texas. 
It is satisfactory to me to find that your opinions are concurrent 
with my own upon the fallacy and impolicy of that part of General 
Santa Aiia's plan claiming an empty Sovereignty over Texas, and 
thinking it possible that your dates from England may not be so 

*The correct date for Aberdeen's No. 5 is May 18, 1843. 

*Elliot to Jones, June 18, 1843. In G&TTison, Diplomatic Correspondence 
of the Republic of Texas, III, 1096-1097; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 
1908, II. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

"Elliot to Jones, June 10, 1893. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence 
of the Republic of Texas, III, 1090; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 

^^See Note 7, page 221. 

"See Note 4, page 221. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 223 

recent as my oAvn, and that it may be convenient tO' you at this Con- 
juncture to know the impressions of Her Majesty's Government 
upon the propositions sent on to this Country by Mr Robinson, I 
have herewith the honor to transmit to you the Copy of a despatch 
from Lord Aberdeen, received three days since, dated upon the 
18th Ultimo.i* 

I would remark, here, that there has been some misconception as 
to any opinion upon my part that a large party in Texas with a 
view of doing what they thought best for them at the present 
moment, might accept General Santa Ana's proposition. I re- 
marked indeed in a private communication to Mr Packenham that 
it would not surprise me to find the project temporarily favored, 
and I have heard that was the Case to a limited extent, and for a 
brief space of time, but it was not my belief that it would be 
countenanced for a moment by the Government of the Republic, or 
indeed steadily, by any considerable part of the people. My obser- 
vations upon that part of the subject were intended generally to 
sustain my own impression that a cessation of hostilities was very 
desirable on every ground of consideration, and particularly till 
you could learn the views of Her Majesty's Government after 
these overtures should become known in that quarter. 

It is to be hoped that the wise and becoming conduct of this 
Government in refusing to take part in the struggle in Yucatan and 
respecting the late unauthorised movement of the two Texian Ves- 
sels of War to that Coast from New Orleans, will facilitate an early 
and honorable close of this Contest. 

In the state of understanding between Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment and that of The King of the French concerning the settle- 
ment of these differences I considered it suitable to communicate 
the subject of Your despatch to my Colleague Monsieur de Cra- 
mayel before I addressed this Government in relation to it, and He 
concurred with me that every proper effort should be made to dis- 
pose the President to agree to the Armistice. 
Percy W. Doyle Charles Elliot. 

H. M. Charge d' Affaires, Mexico. 
Copy. 

Charles Elliot. 
[Endorsed]. Inclosure Xo 3 in Captain Elliot's despatch No 15 

to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston June 32d. 1843. 
"See Aberdeen to Elliot, No. 5, May 18, 1843. Above, page 194. 



224 Texas State Historical Association 

ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^' 

No. 17.^" Galveston June 34th 1843. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to forward Your Lordship some extracts from 
a private letter which I sent to Mr Doyle, with the reply to his 
despatch of the 27th Ultimo. The other parts of this letter need 
not be intruded upon Your Lordship; They referred to a request 
General Thompson had made to Mr. Doyle to see a private commu- 
nication I had addressed to Mr. Packenham by the request of Gen- 
eral Houston, upon the subject of the Prisoners taken at Mier, 
which Communication Mr Doyle had of course declined to shew 
to General Thompson. 

I have also thought it convenient to forward with these despatches 
two Newspapers for Your Lordship's examination, the first (The 
''National Vindicator"^^ which is the Government organ) contain- 
ing the President's Instructions to the Commissioners sent on to 
New Orleans for the purpose of enforcing the orders upon Com- 
modore Moore to return to this Port; and the Second (the "Civil- 
ian"^® by far the best conducted Journal and of most influence in 
the Country) containing some observations on the Armistice, de- 
serving of attention. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
Downing Street. 

ELLIOT TO DOYLE'® 

Extracts from a private letter from Captain Elliot to Percy W. 
Doyle, Esqr. Mexico, dated at Galveston June 21st 1843. 

No. 1. "My despatch will make you acquainted with General 
Houston's acceptance of the Armistice, and I hope you will have no 
difficulty in inducing General Santa Ana to accede to the usual and 
reasonable arrangements General Houston has made respecting the 

^T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

"No. 16, Elliot to Aberdeen, reporting that he has received from Texas 
£3 I5s 9d for supplies furnished the schooner San Bernard, has been 
omitted. 

"Issue of June 3, 1843. 

i^The Civilian and Galveston City Gazette, June 24, 1843. 

«F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 225 

duration of the Armistice. I do sincerely hope that these advances, 
on all sides, ma}^ be improved into a speedy and honorable pacifica- 
tion, and however great the relief to tliis Country will be, it seems 
manifest to me that it will be of higher permanent advantage to 
Mexico. For I firmly believe that it is in General Santa Ana's 
power, by speedy, wise, and liberal arrangements with Texas, upon 
the basis of it's independence, pretty rapidly to detach it from 
it's intimate connexion with the people and things East of the 
Sabine, to the great increase and security of the just and powerful 
influence of his own Country on this Continent. With a compre- 
hensive policy on his part, steadily directed to these ends, Texas 
would settle to a considerable extent by emigration from England, 
Germany and Fl-ance; And a people will be placed between the 
United States and Mexico, w^hose interest it will be not merely to 
maintain a JsTeutral attitude, in the event of dispute with that 
Country (which would draw a large portion of the foreign trade 
with Mexico into the ports of Texas) but rather to lean to the side 
of Mexico. For independent Texas will be in many respects a rival 
producing Country with the United States, and will soon come to 
feel that it is more likely the United States should stretch West- 
ward over Texas, than that Mexico should stretch Eastward over 
Texas. I should tell you that there is no reason whatever to be- 
lieve that the present Government of Texas has any undue feelings 
of partiality towards the United States. There is no bias that way, 
and the late honorable conduct of President Houston concerning 
the movements of the Texian Squadron to the Coast of Yucatan 
may also serve to help out a happy conclusion of this Contest; the 
continuance of which is filling this. Country with desperadoes from 
every part of the South, eager to penetrate into Mexico and bidding 
fair to turn the Gulf of Mexico into a piratical cruizing ground. 
General Santa Aiia is preventing the settlement of this Country by 
people disposed to be peaceful and orderh^ and filling it pretty fast 
with a class of persons, the fellows of whom I do not believe are to 
be found on the face of the Globe. The sounder policy will be to 
make a very liberal peace with Texas, and to strengthen the hands 
of this Government by every kind of friendly Countenance. Such 
a course would roll back a tide of mischief East of the Sabine, and 
a contrary will as surely induce a high flood West of it." 

"Speaking of the late movement upon Yucatan by the Ships, I 



226 Texas State Historical Associntio7i 

cannot refrain from observing, that it was rniich more a United 
States, or at all events a New Orleans expedition, than a Texian. 
This Government was conscientiously, and extremely averse to it, 
did all that it could to prevent it, and all that it could to put an 
end to it, regardless of shameful abuse both in the United States 
and here, and much worse, be it ohserved, in the United States, 
than here. The Expedition sailed from New Orleans, was mainly 
assisted by Citizens of this place, and has I believe been recently re- 
inforced by A^olunteers raised in that City; and all this though 
it was notorious that Commodore Moore was acting in total disobe- 
dience of the orders of his Government. If the Government of the 
United States, could have prevented these things they surely ought 
to have done so, and if they could not, their powerlessness is very 
dangerous to their Neighbours, and deplorable for themselves." 

2d. "The plain fact is that General Houston is very unpopular 
in the United States and here, because of his moderate policy with 
regard to Mexico, and particularly since his determined opposition 
to these purposes of interference in the Affairs of Yucatan." 

"These feelings of ill will to him are aggravated by the impres- 
sion that his mse and moderate conduct is agreeable to Her Maj- 
esty's Government, and well calculated to strengthen their efforts 
for a speedy and peaceful Settlement of this Contest. This is the 
true cause of all the bitterness towards him in the United States, 
and I happen to know that General Thompson has very particular 
friends in that Country, most particularly hostile to General Hous- 
ton. Putting all these things together you will not wonder that I 
should earnestly beg that there may be no relaxation of your just 
reserve respecting the exhibition of my private letters to General 
Thompson." 

3d. "The American Government and it's functionaries need 
careful handling in this Texian matter. Be assured that the ad- 
justment of this question on the basis of the independence of Texas, 
is ill liked in the United States, particularly through the help of 
our own and other European Governments. These good folks de- 
sire to keep it an open question, as well for the chances of the future 
incorporation of Texas with the Union, as because it serves as a 
sort of raw upon Mexico, whenever there is any hesitation about 
American demands upon that Country. This reflection leads me to 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 327 

think that it will be very advantageous if you can persuade the 
Mexican G-overnment to adopt the principle of General Houston's 
arrangement with respect to the duration of the Armistice. If the 
duration of the Armistice depended in any way upon the good 
offices of American Officers near either Government, it is to be 
apprehended that it might not last long enough for any perma- 
nent useful purpose" 

Copy. Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed] Inclosure in Captain Elliot's despatch to the Earl of 
Aberdeen No 17. Galveston June 24. 1843. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^i 

■^0. 18. Galveston July 4th. 1843. 

]\fy Lord, 

I have the honor to transmit a note from Mr. Jones,^^ in reply 
to the note I addressed to him upon the 18th Ultimo communi- 
cating assurances of the continued interest felt 'by Her Majesty's 
Government in the prosperity and independence of Texas, and of 
the full determination to persevere in efforts for the peaceful ad- 
justment of the difficulties between this Country and Mexico, when- 
ever a hope of success should present itself. 

With this communication I have also received private letters 
from General Houston, and Mr. Jones expressive of an earnest 
desire for the appointment of a British Consular Agent at Corpus 
Christi. General Houston thinks that "the effect would be very 
beneficial upon the dispositions of the Mexicans as well as the 
Texiaris, and even upon the Indian?^ who have recently depre- 
dated upon the poor families at that point. The Irish families 
who have claimed to be British Subjects will derive confidence, 
and resume their former habitations, and pursue the arts of peace 
with delight and Advantage. I doubt not, but what the United 
States will support a Consul at Corpus Christi." Mr. Jones thinks 
that a flourishing trade will soon grow up in that quarter with the 
neighbouring Mexican Settlements, and looks to the increase and 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 

''^Jones to Elliot, June 28. 1843. In Grarrison, Diplomatic Correspondence 
of the Repuhlic of Texas, III, 1097, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 



228 Texas State Historical Association 

security of Commercial intercourse, as the surest means of estab- 
lishing the steady pacification of the frontier. 

I shall inform the President and Mr. Jones that my Instruc- 
tions prevent me from making the desired appointment without 
Your Lordship's sanction, but that I am persuaded the President's 
wishes will always have great weight with Her ]\Iajesty's Govern- 
ment. 

Aransas Inlet, and Corpus Christi Ba}^, are situated at the 
Mouth of the river "Nueces," and formed the Western limit of 
Texas, proper, according to the Spanish and Mexican divisions 
of the Country. It's contiguity to the San Patricio Settlements, 
alluded to by the President, will probably recommend this sug- 
gestion to your Lordship's consideration 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
Downing Street 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 19. Galveston July 15th 1843. 

My Lord, 

The Inclosures form a Correspondence, which I have recently 
had with a Gentleman of the name of Yates, a Citizen of this 
Eepublic, resident in this place. It arose from a letter He had 
addressed to a Mr. S. Converse in London dated on the 19th 
March last (of which I heard for the first time two day's since) 
recently published at Boston, and republished at New Orleans.^"* 

The impressions that the abolition of Slavery in this Eepublic, 
would be agreeable in England, and that it would be practicable 
to raise a loan there on the Security of the lands in Texas, in 
furtherance of that ohject, are probably entertained by many per- 
sons in this Country. But whether such views be well founded 
or not, it is the fact that Mr. Yates has been conveying to Mr. 
Converse his own inferences and impressions in these particulars, 
and not what I said to him; and Your Lordship will observe that 

^T. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 

-■•Yates' letter to Converse, widely printed in American newspapers, cre- 
ated the impression that he was writing with Elliot's authority, and that 
Great Britain was actively interested in procuring abolition in Texas. 
Smith, Amvexation of Texas, 113. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 239 

He has ascribed the different turn of his letter to Mr. Converse, 
to the haste of that Communication; which would no doubt have 
been avoided if He had supposed it would find it's way before the 
public. 

It is the case as Mr. Yates observes that I was on board the 
Steam Boat on the passage from Houston with my Colleague 
Monsieur de Cramayel, on the occasion to which He alludes, 
though I did not hear the address of which He speaks. But I 
did not consider that the excitement prevailing here at that time 
was otherwise than temporary; and I do not perceive that it 
formed part of my duty to report every casual ebullition of pop- 
ular Sentiment, on Subjects of internal interest, in my despatches 
to Her Majesty's Government. I have conversed with my Col- 
league since upon the subject, more than once, and I believe his 
opinions were coincident with my own, as to the temporary char- 
acter of the excitement manifested on that occasion; and per- 
haps, it may not be amiss to add that we both of us ventured to 
suggest to the Gentleman who was coming to Galveston to test 
the state of public feeling here, that He might expose himself to 
3ome degree of danger, by the abrupt introduction of such a Sub- 
ject, on the people of this Town. 

That the opinions of Mr. Yates and those who think like him, 
are founded upon sound conceptions of what would most conduce 
to the strength and durable prosperity of this Eepublic, is cer- 
tainly my belief. But I have never given any warrant for the 
use of my name on such subjects, and certainly never said what 
has been imputed to me. 

Charles Elliot 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
Downing Street 

YATES TO ELLIOT^^ 

[Enclosure.] Cop}'. Charles Elliot. Galveston July 12th. 1843. 

To Captain Charles Elliot. 

Sir— 

I was much surprised to receive by the Steamer which arrived 
this Morning a Copy of the "Xew Orleans Republican" of July 3d 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



230 Texas State Historical Association 

containing a letter i3urporting to have been \\Titten by me to S. 
Converse, Esqre. of London, which was preceded by a letter from 
a London Correspondent of the Boston Post, and some editorial 
remarks reflecting on yourself, and the Government you have the 
honor to represent in a most unwarrantable manner, and in which 
my letter was referred to as Authority for the correctness of those 
remarks. 

Without reflecting on the impropriety of my Correspondent in 
publishing that letter, I feel it a matter of duty to place in your 
hands without delay, and as far as in my power a full exculpation 
from the charges thus made or insinuated. 

In my letter to Mr. Converse under date of 19th March last, 
speaking on the subject of emancipating the Negroes of Texas, 
the following expression occurs "I had also held several conver- 
sations with the British Minister here, and from him I learned 
that such a Measure would secure for us the warmest support from 
the British Government, in our present Struggle, and also the 
means of paying for our Slaves, by their Citizens giving lands in 
exchange" 

The Writer of the London letter under date of June 2d, says 
"I enclose the Copy of a letter received here by the last Steamer 
from Galveston, in which you will see that the British Minister 
in Texas has been endeavouring to persuade the people of that Ee- 
public, that if they will alter their constitution so as to abolish 
Slavery, then this government will aid them in their Struggle with 
Mexico, and furnish the Money to pay for their Slaves, the Texians 
giving lands, &c, ,&c". 

My letter to Mr. Converse was written in much haste after the 
arrival of the Houston Boat referred to, in it, which occurred at 
a very late hour on Saturday Night, and the Steamer sailed for 
New Orleans on the Morning of the following day. ]\Ir. S. P. 
Andrews of Houston and some others came passengers in the 
Houston Boat, with the avowed intention of ascertaining the feel- 
ings of the Citizens of Galveston on the Subject, not of abolition, 
but of gradual emancipation of Slaves, and on the representations 
of himself and his Associate I was induced to write in the strong 
and encouraging terms used in that letter. With respect to your- 
self and the efforts you have made to persuade the people of Texas, 
to entertain such a project it is due from me to you to say that 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas S31 

as far as my knowledge and your communication to me extends, 
you have stated distinctly that you were instructed by your Gov- 
ernrnent to interfere in no manner with the internal institutions 
and regulations of this Grovernment; and that in answer to my 
enquiries, you stated your private opinion as an individual, that 
such a measure (which I intimated as probable) M^ould be grati- 
fying to the British Fation, and secure for this her ardent sup- 
port, and that there were parties in England who felt so deeply 
interested on the subject, that you believed such might be found 
who would advance the Ca|)ital necessary to purchase our Negroes, 
for the purpose of manumission, and that they would receive our 
lands in exchange on the assurance of a prohibition to the further 
importation of Slaves. 

As you were a passenger on board the Houston Boat at the time 
I have mentioned, and witnessed the state of feeling which then 
existed amongst the passengers on that trip, and must have heard 
the address made to them by a distinguished Citizen, on their way 
down warmly advocating the Measure I presumed you would ad- 
vise Your Government of the state of feeling which you then saw 
evinced, and therefore stated in my letter to Mr. S. Converse 
that I had reason to believe you had communicated on the Sub- 
ject. You never have stated to me those communications, or any 
part of them ; and I did not see you after your arrival from Hous- 
ton, previous to the departure of the packet, for iSTew Orleans, the 
suggestion on this point was therefore only conjecture on my part. 

As to the intervention of Your Government in our Affairs with 
Mexico, emanating from a desire to promote the abolition of 
Slavery here, and it's being exerted as a consideration for such a 
Measure, the statement is too publicly destitute of foundation to 
need a refutation. Those who know anything of the foreign re- 
lations of this Government are aware of the fact that the inter- 
vention nf the Government of Great Britian has been pledged to 
us by treaty stipulation, near three years since, and without the 
most remote reference to this Subject, and that it has since been 
most efficiently exerted in our behalf. 

The London Correspondent and the New Orleans Editor have 
alluded to the true cause of the difficulty. They evidently care 
but little for Texas "her weal or woe" but are willing to sacrifice 
her prosperity and welfare to the protection of the Slave property 



232 Texas State Ilisiorical Association 

held in the States on her frontier. This country has been in a 
great measure governed and controlled by this influence, and it 
was to avoid it that I stated in my letter that the emancipation 
must be incidentally laid before a Convention of the people, in 
order to ensure success, and not because of the opposition I feared 
it would meet with at home. 

There is no reason for the alarm these writers have expressed 
because if Texas should entertain the project, She will afford the 
Slave holders of the Union a better protection for their slave prop- 
erty, by treaty, than they now have from their Sister States. 

Sir, I am no abolitionist, nor am I, nor have I ever been, nor 
can 1 be in correspondence with any, for the purpose of promoting 
their views, but I do believe that free labor is ten fold more pro- 
ductive of prosperity in this, or any enlightened country, than 
Slave labour, and it is for this reason I desire to see the introduc- 
tion to this Country of free Wliite industrious families of the 
laboring Classes, well satisfied that they will eventually supersede 
the Slave; and gradually but surely remove the incubus that rests 
upon us. This change must be a voluntary and a gradual one, 
and I have uniformly advocated the doctrine that a Government 
composed as ours is can only prohibit the further introduction of 
Slaves, and having provided the means for the purchase of those 
already introduced, must leave it optional with the proprietor to 
sell or retain at pleasure, and I sincerely believe that such a pro- 
vision being made, Texas would become a free State, by the unani- 
mous will of the Citizens, in ten years thereafter. 

In conclusion permit me to assure you that while I sincerely 
regret the occasion for this letter, I cannot but feel happy in the 
opportunity it affords me of bearing my humble testimony to the 
uniform expression of your desire for the prosperity of my Coun- 
try, the firm conviction that your official as well as private inter- 
course has contributed much to promote that object, and that in so 
doing I express the sentiments of a large Majority of my fellow 
Citizens. 

A. J. Yates. 

[Endorsed]. Inclosure No. 1 in Captain Elliot's Despatch No 
19. to the Earl of Aberdeen. July 15. 1843. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 233 

ELLIOT TO YATES-^ 

Private Galveston July 13th. 1843. 

Sir. 

I beg to acknowledge your letter of Yesterday's date founded 
upon a letter from you to Mr. S. Converse, recently published in 
Boston. 

Whenever the subject matter of that communication has been 
mentioned to me in conversation, either by you, or any other Gl-en- 
tleman of my acquaintance in the Republic, I have invariably 
made the remark to which you advert, namely, that I was in- 
structed to interfere in no manner with the internal institutions 
or regulations of this Government. 

But either in doing that, or in denying the unfounded charge 
of undue interference, I have always guarded myself from being 
supposed to entertain difPerent opinions upon the general subject, 
from those held by the great body of my Countrymen. 

Sensible, however, of the inconvenience of any misconception on 
such a point I have also always said to others what I said to you; 
that is, that what fell from me must be particularly understood 
to be no more than the expression of my own individual opinion, 
for I had neither knowledge of, nor authority to speak to, opin- 
ions or feelings in any other quarter I can readily understand [in] 
the hurn^ of your Communication to Mr. S. Converse you intended 
to convey your own impressions founded upon your conservation 
with me, and not my expressions. But at all events I entertain 
no doubt that you will take some suitable means of preventing 
further misconception, so far as I am concerned. 

Copy. Charles Elliot. Charles Elliot. 

A. J. Yates, Esqre. 
Galveston. 

[Endorsed.] Inclosure No, 2 in Captain Elliot's Despatch No. 
19, to the Earl of Aberdeen, July 15th 1843. 

""F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



234 Texas State Historical Association 

YATES TO ELLIOT^^ 

[Enclosure] . 
Private. 

To Captain Charles Elliot. 

Galveston. 
Sir, 

Your favor of the 13th Instant in reply to my letter of the 
letter \_8ic'] of 12th is before me. 

That portion of my letter to Mr. Converse, under date 19th 
March last, which refers to conversations held with you on the 
subject therein alluded to was intended and can certainly be con- 
sidered as nothing more than an expression of inferences drawn 
by me from your remarks, and in the excitement which then ex- 
isted in this Community, I am free to acknowledge that those in- 
ferences were not warranted so much by your expressions, as by 
ray own knowledge of the dispositions and feelings of your Coun- 
trymen on the Subject. 

So far from understanding you to say that the British Gov- 
ernment were disposed to interfere with the question of Slavery 
in this Country, I distinctly recollect your reiterated declaration 
that you had been positively instructed to avoid any interference 
with our Civil and domestic institutions. 

I shall avail myself of the earliest opportunity to remove the 
misconstruction put upon my letter to Mr. Converse in relation 
to yourself, and the misconception of the part you have taken in 
the matter which seems to be entertained by some and founded on 
expressions contained in that letter. 

Sincerely hoping that no inconvenience may result to yourself 
from the temporary prevalence of erroneous impressions, which 
may be entertained by a few individuals in regard to the course 
you have pursued, and which can be so readily removed, I have 
the honor to be with Sentim.ents of the highest respect and con- 
sideration ■ . ^ ^^ , 

A. J. Yates. 

Copy. Charles Elliot Galveston, July 15. 1843. 

[Endorsed.]. Inclosure No. 3 in Capn. Elliot's Despatch No. 19 
to the Earl of Aberdeen. July 15th. 1843. 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 



Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 235 

ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^s 

No. 20. Galveston July 16th. 1843. 

My Lord, 

I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's despatches 
ms. 6 and 7. 

This Government has not yet appointed Commissioners to pro- 
ceed to Mexico; pausing, till it shall be ascertained whether Gen- 
eral Santa Ana has adopted General Houston's arrangement with 
respect to the duration of the Armistice. It is much to be hoped 
that the Mexican Government will not insist upon the immediate 
and unqualified acknowledgment of the Sovereignty of Mexico, as 
an indispensable preliminary condition to the opening of negoti- 
ations, but content itself with an expression of general readiness 
upon the part of this Government maturely to consider any scheme 
of adjustment which may be proposed, upon the part of Mexico. 

With a continued state of pacification, and the lapse of time, 
feelings of irritation will naturally subside; and both parties ad- 
dressing themselves to the task in a spirit of temperate enquiry 
I should hope that there are no insuperable obstacles to the set- 
tlement of this dispute upon a durable and creditable footing, and 
certainly upon terms of advantage to Mexico which there is no 
ground to believe could be secured by a protraction of the Contest. 

I avail myself of this occasion to announce the return of the 
Texian Ships of War "Austin" and "Wharton" to this port, from 
the Coast of Yucatan, reporting intelligence that the difficulties 
in that quarter, are not yet adjusted. The Vessels arrived on tho 
14th. Instant. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^S 

No. 21. Galveston July 29th. 1843. 

My Lord. 

With reference to my despatch No. 19, I have now to solicit 
Your Lordship's attention to a letter"" addressed by Mr. Yates to 
the Editor of the same New Orleans print, in which his letter to 

='F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 
-'¥. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 
'"Yates to the Ifew Orleans Republican, July 17, 1843. 



236 Texas State Historical Association 

Mr. Converse of the 19th. March last was recently Copied from a 

^°^^°^ P^P^^- Charles Elliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

'No. 22. Galveston August 3rd. 1843. 

My Lord, 

Her Majesty's Sloop. "Scylla" returned to this anchorage on the 
23rd Ultimo, bringing me despatches from Her Majesty's Charge 
d' Affaires in Mexico dated on the 8th Idem, and I have now the 
honor to transmit to Your Lordship my subsequent correspondence 
with this Government,^^ and that Gentleman. 

I have also taken the liberty to forward some extracts from a 
private letter I have addressed to Mr. Doyle with these despatches. 
I may mention that I do not forward copies of Mr. Doyle's com- 
munications to me,-^^ because I learn from him that they have 
already been transmitted through the United States. 

Trusting that the present attitude of these Affairs will be satis- 
factory to Her Majesty's Government, I have the honor to remain, 

Charles Elliot. 

Her Majesty's Sloop sailed to Vera Cruz, with my reply, last 
evening 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 



Charles Elliot. 



ELLIOT TO DOTLE^* 

[Enclosure.] Copy. Charles Elliot. Galveston. 

August 2nd. 1843. 
Sir. 

I have the honor to acknowledge your despatch of the 8th 

«F. 0. Texas, Vol. (5. 

■"Elliot to Jones, July 24, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspomlenct 
of the Republic of Texas, III, 1112-1113, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 
1908, II. 

^'F. O., Mexico, 163. Doyle to Aberdeen, No. 51, July 30, 1843, enclosing 
copy of letter to Elliot of July 8, outlining; Santa Anna's ideas as to an 
armistice. 

»*F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 237 

Ultimo, by H. M. S. "Scylla;'' and in reply beg leave to transmit 
to you, 

1. Copy of a letter from myself to the Secretary of State of 
this Eepublic.^^ 

.2. Copy of Mr. Jones's reply.^® 

3. Copy of a despatch from the Secretary of War and Marine 
to General Wells." 

I have also forwarded the Copy of a desj^atch which I have re- 
cently had the honor to receive from Lord Aberdeen dated on the 
3rd Ultimo,^^ thinking it possible that you may not yet have re- 
ceived any despatches of so late a date at Mexico. 

These moderate dispositions of the Government of Texas cannot 
fail to be satisfactory to the President of Mexico. But His Ex- 
cellency will naturally have collected from public sources of in- 
formation that General Houston is exposed to violent opposition 
in. this Country on account of that Moderation, and it is much to 
be hoped that the Government of Mexico will have constant and 
yery considerate regard to that state of things in the negociations 
for the final adjustment of this painful and fruitless contest. 

The release of the Texian prisoners in Mexico would have the 
effect of allaying angry feeling, and strengthening the influence 
of this Government for the attainment of its wise and moderate 
purposes : I believe too, that I cannot be saying too much in 
adding, that this step would be agreeable to Her Majestj^'s Gov- 
ernment, and perhaps facilitate their dispositions to be helpful in 
the satisfactory settlement of this dispute. 

In conclusion, I will take the liberty to express the hope and 
belief that General Santa Ana will fully avail himself of any 
becoming opportunity of reconciling his own personal and gen- 

'"See page 236, note 32 above. 

'^Jones to Elliot, July 30, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence 
of the RepuUic of Texas, Til, 1114-1115, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 
1908, II. 

'■WoU to Houston. July 16, 1843, and Hill to Woll, July 29, 1843 (copies 
of which were enclosed in this letter and are here printe-^i^, are noted by 
Garrison as "not found." (Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of 
Texas, III, 1115, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 

^F. 0., Texas, 19, Aberdeen to Elliot, No. 9. This was really a dispatch 
to Doyle (of which a copy was sent to Elliot) on Mexican threats with 
regard to foreigners in Texas. Elliot, therefore, sends a copy to Doyle, 
because mails to Texas were more regular than to Mexico. 



238 Texas State Historical Association 

erous impulses toward these Prisoners, with the dictates of sound 
Policy, and a just consideration for the situation and wishes of 
this Government. 

Charles Elliot. 
Perc}'- W Doyle Esquire. 

Mexico 
[Endorsed] Inclosure Xo 5 in Captain Elliot's Despatch to the 
Earl of Aberdeen. No. 32. August 3d, 1843. 

WOLL TO HOUSTON^® 

[Enclosure] 

Cuerpo de ejercito del Norte, General en gefe. 

Matamoros Julio 16 de 1843 
Sor Gral Dn Samuel Houston 

Muy Senor mio, Conforme a las ordenes del Supremo Gobiemo 
que me anuncia ha proclamado V. un Armisticio en Tejas me 
apresare a manifestar a V, que dare las convenientes para que s*^ 
suspendan por las tropas de Ejercito de mi Mando, las hostilidades 
contra Tejas Mandando retirar en todos los puntos de la linea las 
avansadas, descubriertos, y partidas de observacion que tenemos 
sobre dicha pais, tan luego como se sirva V. anunciarme, que ha 
prevenido a las fuerzas que componen la espedicion de Santa Fe 
retroeedan immediatamente suspendiendo toda hostilidad contra 
la Republica Mejicana, en el caso que dicha espedicion estuviere 
autorisada por Tejas — 6 que se sirva hacer una declaracion oficial 
y solemne de que aquellos invasores no pertenean a Tejas, para 
que en este ultimo caso puedan ser batidos perseguidos por los 
tropas Mejicanas en atencion a que no estan y no puedan estar 
comprehendidos en el armisticio que estoy facultado para celebrar 
con V. ni en la consiguente suspencion de hostilidades. 

Por lo tanto, desio que a la mayor brevedad posible se sirva V. 
Contestar, y si como es de crerse la espedicion de Santa Fe no ha 
sido autorisada por V. y de consiguiente hace V. a nombre de 
Tejas la declaracion oficial y solemne ya mencionada sera, con- 
veniente nombre V. los Comisionados que en Union de los que 
eligere por parte del Supremo Gobierno se ocupan de celebrar un 
armisticio entre las partes beligerentes. 

»»F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 239 

La villa de Laredo pudiera ser el punto en que los Comisonados 
se reiinierori, 

Aprovecho esta ocasion para opecer a V las se guridades de la 
distinguida consideracion de afecmo Servidor. I. S. M. 

Adrian "Woll. 
Copy. Charles Elliot. 
[Endorsed]. General Adrian Woll to General Houston. Mata- 

moros 16th July 1843. 
Inclosure No 4 to Captain Elliot's Despatch to the Earl of Aber- 
deen. August 3d, 1843. 

HILL TO WOLL*** 

[Enclosure]. Copy. Charles Elliot. 

Department of War and Marine 

Washington 29th July 1843. 
To General Adrian Woll. 

Commander in Chief of the Northern Army of Mexico. 
Sir, 

Your Communication of the 16th July addressed to General 
Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas was by him re- 
ceived on the 26th inst. and referred to this Department for con- 
sideration and reply. 

Added to the facts set forth in your Communication, the Presi- 
dent of the Eepublic of Texas having been informed through Her 
Britannic Majesty's Charge d' Affaires near this Government that 
Authority had been given to you by President of the Eepublic of 
Mexico, to act as Military Commissioner on the part of that Gov- 
ernment to adjust an Armistice between the two parties, I hasten 
to inform you in accordance with instructions from His Excel- 
lency the President, that according to the suggestions made by 
you, the proper measures will be adopted on the part of this Gov- 
ernment, to Ensure the Appointment of two Military Commission- 
ers to meet those who may be appointed by Yourself at the Vil- 
lage of Laredo on the 25th day of September next, or near that 
time, to Engage in arranging the terms of an Armistice between 
the parties belligerent. 

^'F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 



240 Texas State Historical Association 

Orders have been issued in accordance with the proclamation of 
His Excellency the President of Texas, dated 15th June 1843 (a 
Copy of which is herewith enclosed) to the Officers Commanding 
the Forces of the Eepublic to cease hostilities against Mexico, and 
Commanding them to observe the requirements of the same. 

Owing to the extent of uninhabited territory to the North, and 
the numerous obstacles which might, by possibility, intercept and 
cut off communications to the Troops to which you allude as com- 
posing the Santa Fe Expedition, they may not have received the 
proclamation and orders of the President in relation to the sus- 
pension of hostilities, to provide against and obviate the interposi- 
tion of any obstacle from this Cause, to the successful issue of 
pending Negotiations between the two Governments. I enclose 
here-^dth a copy of the Order to Col. Charles A. Warfield revok- 
ing authority previously granted, and also an authenticated Copy 
of the Proclamation declaring an Armistice, with an order to Col. 
Jacob Snively endorsed thereon, that should those Officers with 
the forces under their Command, or either of them have appeared, 
or should in future appear on any portion of the frontier of Mex- 
ico, previous to the reception of similar orders through another 
Channel, you may have it in your power, and which it is hoped 
you will deem proper to Communicate to them, or either of them 
(as circumstances may require) these Orders, that they may in 
obedience thereto, immediately cease hostilities against the Mex- 
ican Eepublic with draw their Forces, and return to the interior 
Settlements of Texas. 

I feel Confident that you will at once perceive the necessity of 
appointing the time for the meeting of the Commissioners on the 
part of the two Governments in September next, that the return 
of the Troops of this Government, from the North, may be pro- 
cured, and the Armies of the two Countries with drawn and or- 
dered so as effectually to prevent Collision during the Convention, 
and ensure the preservation of the consequent suspension of hos- 
tilities 

A reply at your earliest convenience is solicited, and the time 
suggested for the meeting of the Commissioners it is hoped will 
meet your approbation. 

I avail myself of this occasion to tender vou assurances of the 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 341 

very distinguished Consideration with which I have the honor 
to be. 

Your most obedient Servant 

The Secretar}^ of War and Marine of 

the Eepublic of Texas. 

G. W. Hill. 
A Copy. 

Signed, Anson Jones. 

ELLIOT TO DOYLE*^ 

[Enclosure.]. Galveston July 30th 1843. 

Extracts from a private letter 
to Percy W. Doyle. 
My dear Sir, 

I have to thank you for your letter of the 8th Instant; and I 
hope the President will accede to General Santa Ana's arrange- 
ment with respect to the Armistice 

I look for the answers from Washington by the 1st or 2d 
Proximo. I am sorry to find from your letter that General Santa 
Ana still adheres to this point of the acknowledgment of the Sov- 
ereignty of Mexico by Texas, not for the sake of Texas, be it 
understood, for as a matter of private opinion I have long since 
thought that if the Texians were to consult only their interests, 
they could not do better than to treat upon General Santa Ana's 
basis. All the advantages are to them, and all the risks and dis- 
advantages (and they are great) are to Mexico. What the peo- 
ple of Texas will do, I cannot undertake to say, but it is likely 
that they will be mainly guided by the feeling in the United 
States, and it seems quite probable that the arrangement will not 
be discouraged in that quarter. They would feel there, that it 
would be the firm and strengthening settlement of a United States 
population on the Mexican frontier with abundance of pretext to 
renew disturbances, and extend intrigue and pretensions West- 
ward, as soon as it suited all their convenience to do so; and be- 
sides too, it would effectually break up the independence of Texas, 
which is extremely distasteful in the United States. 

Lord Aberdeen's despatch to me of the 3rd Ultimo will place 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol 6. 



242 Texas State Ilistorical Association 

you in possession of the views of Her Majesty's Government at 
that date. It is much to be wished, (in furtherance of their dis- 
position to be helpful in the adjustment of this Affair) that the 
Mexican Government may not insist upon the immediate and un- 
qualified acknowledgement of the Sovereignty of Mexico as an in- 
dispensable preliminary condition to the opening of Negotiations, 
but Content itself with an expression of general readiness on the 
part of the Government maturely to consider any scheme of paci- 
fication proposed by Mexico. 

General Santa Ana should have regard to the position and diffi- 
culties of this Government as well as his own, and if the parties 
can only agree upon a suitable point de depart in these negotia- 
tions I do not quite despair of a satisfactory result. 

In considering the chances of such a Solution, it has sometimes 
occurred to me that if Mexico were to offer to admit the limits of 
Texas to the line of the Eio Grande, and to grant the Navigation 
of that river under rules to be agreed upon between the two Gov- 
ernments, that of itself might be a tempting inducement. With 
regard to the aclmowledgment of the Sovereignty of Mexico I 
suppose the Vocabular}' might furnish becoming means of temper- 
ing the bitterness of that form of speech. It might be sufficient 
for example if Texas would [insert] in the Articles of Convention 
that She was reunited to the Eepublic of Mexico, and that all 
Laws, and Decrees passed or issued by the Supreme Congress or 
Government not at variance with the conditions of the Convention, 
should be binding upon this Government and people of Texas. 
Another point of difficulty and delicacy is the treaty making 
power, and upon that Subject Her Majesty's Government will no 
doubt express their views at some early date. 

Perhaps it would be possible to reconcile the difficulties and exi- 
gencies in that respect by an article in the Convention agreeing 
upon the part of Mexico to the Commercial arrangements which 
Texas has contracted by treaty with foreign Powers, and further 
agreeing that Texas should continue to enjoy the rights of a Sep- 
arate State for all purposes of foreign trade and Commercial in- 
tercourse, including the right to conclude and ratify future Con- 
ventions respecting foreign trade, and Commercial intercourse. 
But if Texas is to be left to regulate it's trade with other Powers 
as it sees fit, it follows of course that Mexico should be at liberty 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 343 

to consider Texas a foreign State, in respect to it's trade with 
Mexico, and an article in the Convention, providing for the reg- 
ulation of this point from time to time according to altering cir- 
cumstances by Commissioners appointed by the two Governments^ 
would do all that was formally requisite in that respect. I say, 
formally, for to speak plainly, as soon as there is a State of 
peace upon the frontier, high tariffs in Mexico, and venal Officers^ 
and active Smugglers on both Sides of the frontier will do all the 
rest for themselves. 

Another point is the flag: In that particular it might be ar- 
ranged that Texas should retain it's own flag within it's own ter- 
ritor}', and on board of it's Merchant Vessels, except in the ports 
of Mexico, and that therein the Vessels of Texas should wear the 
flag of Mexico, but be subject to the duties and charges agreed 
upon in the Convention. 

All these are of course mere speculations of my own, and I 
should particularly say to you that I have never had one word 
of Conversation with any Member of this Government upon such 
subjects, but still I have thought it may not be entirely useless to 
mention them to you. The Commissioners from this Government 
are Mr. Samuel Williams, and Colonel George Hockley, both of 
them I believe known to General Santa Ana. Mr. Williams how- 
ever will be the active Commissioner. He is one of the original 
Settlers in Texas, and I should think one of the very few men 
in this country -with sense and moderation enough sincerely to 
regret the Separation from Mexico. 

I am persuaded that the Instructions will be as reasonable and 
as moderate as they can be, due regard being had to General Hous- 
ton's position, and I am equally persuaded Mr. Williams will be 
found cordially disposed to do all He can to accomplish some 
conclusion of this Affair upon a footing which ought to be satis- 
factory to the Mexican Government. But I cannot but repeat 
that General Houston's difficulties at home will be very great in- 
deed; and General Santa Aha should have regard to themx, and 
remember that it may be very easy to destroy his influence by un- 
reasonable uncomplyingness at Mexico, and with it, all hope of a 
peaceful and moderate Settlement of this dispute. 

Whilst I am upon the subject of modes of expression, may I 
use the freedom to suggest to you that it might be convenient if 



244 Texas State Historical Association 

General Santa Ana and his Government would fall upon some 
mode of designating General Houston which may leave it in my 
power to place their communications before him. It cannot be 
expected of course that they should commit themselves to any 
tacit acknowledgment of the independence of this Eepublic by 
their modes of address, but General is not a term of commital, 
and Seiior Houston is not a term of suitable respect. General 
Santa Ana owes General Houston becoming Military respect and 
courtesy, as well as deep personal gratitude, for he saved his life; 
and seeing that Her Majesty's Government, and the Government 
of The King of the French deal with General Houston as Gen- 
eral, and President of Texas, I hope we shall hear no more of 
Senor Houston from Mexico. At all events I must decline to be 
the medium of any Communication from the Government of Mex- 
ico wliich speaks of him as Sehor Houston, for I feel He would 
have a right to complain of me if I made myself a party to 
frivolous incivility of that kind. I observe that the Government 
of Mexico does speak of the Government of Texas, and therefore 
upon that score I have no remark to offer. 

Galveston August 2d. 1843. 

The despatches have just arrived from Washington, and I hope 
their contents will be satisfactory^ to the Mexican Government I 
learn from Mr. Williams that General Houston wishes that Col- 
onel Hockley and himself should perform the double office of Com- 
missioners to General Woll, for the arrangement of the truce, 
and then go on to Mexico. Pray strenuously endeavour to per- 
suade General Santa Aiia to release the Texian prisoners. No 
measure would be better calculated to allay angry feeling, and 
support the influence of the Govmt. for useful, and modern 
results. 

Charles Elliot. 
To Percy W. Doyle, Esqr. 
Copy. 

Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.] Inclosure No 6 in Captain Elliot's Despatch to the 
Earl of Al>erdeen. No. 22. August 3d. 1843. 



Briiisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 245 

KEISTNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. British Consulate 

Galveston — August 6th. 1843. 
My Lord, 

The information which I have the honor to submit to Your 
Lordship has been tendered to me by a party concerned in the 
transactions to which it refers, upon the condition that I would 
not Communicate it to any person now resident in Texas. 



W 




The facts set forth in documents placed before me relate to the 
islands of Cozumel and Mugeres, or "Mohair," situated on the 
coast of Yucatan, and claimed as part of the territory of Mexico, 
but they bear more closely and immediately upon Cozumel, than 
upon Mugeres. — Subjoined is a rude outline of the form of Coz- 
umel, with Sections marked for first, second, and third "choice." 

On his first expedition against Mexico, Cortes touched at Coz- 
umel, then an inhabited island, and the ruins of buildings erected 
by that Commander are said to be still visible on its E. N. E. 
portion. — Its length is estimated at about ten leagues — its breadth 
at the widest part, about five, and it is distant about fifteen Miles 
from the Mainland. 

The outside, or Eastern, coast of Cozumel is represented as iron- 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



246 Texas State Historical Association 

bound and inaccessible; the Southern and Western sides are said 
to have a firm, accessible beach, with deep and tranquil water, 
where "Vessels of any draft may anchor, within a Cable's length 
of the Shore". — About three leagues from the Southern most 
point of the Island, lies "a fine Bay, well land-locked, having deep 
water inside, with a bar of nine feet water, at the entrance." The 
whole Coast abounds in fresh water springs. The larger division, 
towards the South, is "completely covered" with a dense mass of 
valuable forest timber, and brushwood. The lesser division, 
towards the North, consists of "low ]\Iarshy ground mixed with 
small lagoons." The arable land is a rich. West Indian Soil, 
"suitable," (says an agent sent to examine it) — for the Culture 
of Sugar, Coffee, Cotton, &c. in a fairly healthy climate, where 
frost is never known and every inch of ground is covered with 
thick forest of the tallest trees, among them, Teak, Cedar, and 
dye stuffs, — with two excellent harbours, "Brutus Cove," and 
"Port Thomson." 

Easy to be defended and offering many advantages for Ship- 
ping, Cozumel is said to be well adapted for the establislmient of 
a Commercial Kation; possessing local facilities for supplying 
Southern Mexico, the Bay of Honduras and Colombia, and, in a 
measure, commanding the passage between Yucatan and Cuba. 

On Arrowsmith's Map of Mexico, Cozumel is placed about two 
hundred Miles jSTorth from the Capital of the British settlement 
at Honduras, and about fifty Miles South from the little island of 
Mugeres. 

Mugeres, which is estimated to be about three leagues in length, 
possesses hardly any agricultural value l^eing chiefly composed of 
sand, but it is said to Command a harbou.r of ample extent and 
great security, having "not less than three and a half fathoms of 
water at the entrance." A Vessel, once inside, cannot well be dis- 
covered, "the land surrounding the Bay, or Harbour, being high 
enough to hide a Ship's Masts". — It has been commended by the 
French as "a most desirable Kaval Station," and the Texan Com- 
mander (Moore) thus writes concerning it, in a letter dated Sisal 
de Yucatan, 20th January, 1842. 

"I have had the island and harbour of Mugeres 

examined, and have sent a Chart of the Harbour to the Navy 
Department, (of Texas) It is an excellent Harbour, but tbere is 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 847 

very little good land, and scarcely any heavy timber on it. Before 
I return to Texas, I will examine the island of Cozumel myself." 

Cozumel, which contained an Indian population, when visited 
by Cortes, appears to have been long abandoned by its ancient in- 
habitants, whose fields have been overrun by the rank and rapid 
vegetation of a tropical Country. — Within the last few years, it 
has become the object of Speculating, and, perhaps, political cupid- 
ity in this quarter. 

In 1837, it was visited by two Texan Privateers named the 
"Brutus" and the "Invincible." At that time, it contained no 
Settled inhabitants. Some Indians who had crossed from the 
mainland in Canoes, were employed in catching turtle. "They had 
no knowledge of to whom the island might belong." The Texan 
privateers, or "Men of War," as they have been styled, took a 
nominal possession of the place, hoisting their flag, and commis- 
sioning Indians as representatives. When the privateers returned 
to Texas, they reported their proceedings to the Government, but 
the matter, with the view, as it would seem, to speculation, was 
not allowed to transpire. 

In 1840, a project was devised, under the auspices of some 
leading Members of the (then) Texan Government, to open a way 
to the future occupation of the island. Taking advantage of dis- 
sention between Yucatan and Mexico, a plan was formed for its 
purchase by some Citizens of Texas, who proposed to offer their 
Government a rendezvous for its Navy; to encourage emigration, 
and, ultimately, when fit opportunity arose, to claim the right of 
self-government under Texan protection. — A Mr. Eobinson, for- 
merly United States Consul at Tampico, with certain associates, 
agreed to bring some hundreds of emigrants from New York, and 
to pay the Yucatan Government the sum of $100,000 (dollars) 
within three Months from the date of the contract. Owing to 
the pecuniary embarrassments of the Married friends of these 
parties at New York, this project fell to the ground. 

An agricultural establishment had been made upon Cozumel in 
the year 1838, by the Governor of Yucatan, the first Alcalde of 
Merida, and Colonel Peraza, a man of influence among the Yuca- 
tans. They engaged in the cultivation of Cotton, sent to their 
plantation about thirty debtors and criminals taken from the 
prison of the City of Merida, and confided the Superintendence of 



248 Texas State Historical Association 

the business, with a share of the profits, to Vicente Alvino a 
Spaniard well acquainted with the locality, and who had been 
navigating many years as a Contrdbandista between Belize and 
Sisal. 

In 1841 Colonel Peraza, then on a Mission from Yucatan to 
Texas, when passing through New Orleans, was requested to co- 
operate with a Military officer of Texas who hoped to succeed in 
organizing a Company in Tennessee, for the purchase of a large 
part of the island of Cozumel. The documents before me State 
that Colonel Peraza pledged himself to favour this individual "all 
tliat he could." 

The State of Yucatan embroiled with the general Government 
of Mexico, and, pressed for resources, issued a Law on the 5th 
of April, 1841, relative to the Sale and Conveyance of its vacant 
lands. On the 14th of October 1841, a Company was formed at 
Galveston, to purchase a portion of Cozumel, under the provisions 
of this Law. The first associates were three in number, and there 
^^ere five others who were to have the privilege of joining them, if 
they came forward with funds "in good time." Among the five 
were the Commodore of the Texan Navy and two officers of rank 
in the regular service of Texas. 

One of the three original associates who had been Collector of 
Customs at Galveston, under the Mexican Government, was fur- 
nished with Money and instructions, and sent to Galveston, where 
he arrived in November 1841. He was Commissioned, in the first 
instance, to purchase two Square leagues of land in the island of 
Cozumel, proceeding according to the designated order of selection 
already shown in outline. With the sanction of the local Authori- 
ties, he surveyed six Square leagues of land, and assured his asso- 
ciates that, "with sufficient powers of attorney and funds in hand," 
he could, "from time to time, acquire the whole island gradually, 
but not at once, in order to avoid suspicion." In consequence of 
the failure of the New Orleans Banks, the necessary means was 
not forthcoming, and the agent, who seems to have been a person 
of considerable acuteness, but not over wise in his moral percep- 
tions, returned to Galveston in July 1842, after an absence of 
Nine Months, transmitting to his associates "A contract and de- 
tailed Map of Survey of Six I-eagues of land on the island 
of Cozumel, and Translations of Official documents accrediting the 



Bn'tisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 249 

location, survey, and purchase of the said land, and the Sale by 
the Government of Yucatan confirmed, and the titles ready to 
issue whenever the provisions of the law upon the subject, as set 
forth in the said official Communication, are complied with." 

It is alleged that the right of pre-emption yet remains with the 
parties for whom the agent selected the six leagues of land 

I now come to the last point in the proceedings respecting Coz- 
umel, according to the information placed before me. 

I am assured that the quiet occupation of the Island, by the 
path already opened, was suggested to M. de Saligny, Charge d' 
Affaires of France in Texas, who is at present in Europe, by 
whom, it is alleged, the proposition was seriously entertained 

Whatever may be the value of the present Communication, I 
have deemed it my duty to transmit it to Your Lordship, for the 
following reasons 

1st. That — I believe the facts, as I have stated them, to be sub- 
stantially true. 

2nd. That — Americans are quick in discerning local advan- 
tages, and persevering in the endeavour to turn them to their own 
account. 

3rd. That — The Government of Mexico, having been baffled in 
its attempts to reduce Yucatan to obedience, the latter state may 
be so far free to exercise an independent prerogative as to trans- 
fer its vacant lands to Foreigners for a trifling consideration 

4th. — That desirous of insular aggi'andizement, France might be 
willing to secure an early hold on a position near to Mexico, within 
a short sail of the British Settlement of Honduras, and not remote 
from the Isthmus of Panama. 

5th. That — Without presuming to attach any special impor- 
tance to the transactions under review, it is, at all events, the 
more prudent course to report them to Your Lordship. 

William Kennedy, 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



250 Texas State TTistorical Association 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOTT." 

Draft. F. 0. August 18, 1843 

Captain Elliot. 
No. 10.^ 
Sir, 

Your Despatches to ISTo. 20 inclusive, with the exception of No. 
]3, have been received and laid before the Queen. 

With reference io my Despatch No. 6, of the 3rd of June last, 
relative to the proposals made to Texas by Genl Santa Anna for 
the Settlement of the Contest between Texas and Mexico, I have 
to transmit to you herewith for your information, a Copy of a 
Despatch which I addressed to Mr. Doyle, Her Majesty's Charge 
d' x\.ifairos in Mexico, on the 1st Ulto, upon the same subject.* 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. British Consulate. 

Mv Lord. Galveston August 22d. 1843. 

I beg leave to transmit to Your Lordship a printed Article 
which I have extracted from the "New Orleans Bulletin" of 
Thursday, August 10th. It has been the Subject of Comment in 
this place. 

By Statements in the London Newspapers recently received here, 
it would seem that parties in England entertain the impression 
that the people of this Country are willing to treat for the eman- 
cipation of their Slaves. I have been, and am, endeavouring to 
ascertain how far the impression is waiTanted by facts, — before I 
transmit a reply to the Queries contained in Your Lordship's De- 
spatch marked "Sc Te No. 1," and dated May 30th, 1843. 
The Earl of Aberdeen K. T. William Kennedy. 

=T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unsigned. 

»F. 0., Texas, 19. Aberdeen to Elliot, No. 8, June 19, and No. 9, July 3, 
1843, have been omitted. The first referred to tlie land claims of Cotes- 
worth, Powell, and others; the second transmitted copies of correspondence 
with Doyle, in Mexico, relative to the threatened treatment of all foreigners 
found in Texas when Mexico should reconquer that territory. 

^F. 0., Mexico, 169. Aberdeen to Doyle, No. 10, July 1. 1843. Aberdeen 
urged larger concessions by Mexico, and also expressed the view that by 
making these, abolition in Texas might be secured. (Adams, British Inter- 
ests and Activities in Texas, 130-131.) For a different view of Aberdeen's 
leading purpose, see Smith, The Annexation of Texas, 93. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 251 

KENNEDY TO ABERnEEN® 

Private. British Consulate. 

Galveston August 23rd 184:3 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose a printed translation of the Land 
Law of the Mexican State of Yucatan, referred to in my despatch 
marked "Private" and dated the 6th Instant. 

I hope soon to be enabled to transmit a Chart of the Harbour 
and Sketch of the Island of Mugeres, oif the Yucatan Coast. 

Information has been brought by the Texan War Vessels lately 
employed in aiding Yucatan, that the Government of that State 
had granted to American officers and Seamen, in their Service, 
the privilege of settling a certain portion of Vacant public land, and 
that the said officers and Seamen were making preparations, — when 
the Texan Vessels left Campeche — "to visit the island of Cozumel, 
and locate their Claims upon it." 

. William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOTT TO ABERDEEN'^ 

No. 24« Galveston August 23r. 1843 

My Lord, 

I avail myself of a short delay in the departure of the Steam 
Boat to New Orleans to report the return (last Evening) of the 
Texian Custom House Vessel which took back to Matamoros the 
Mexican Officer who had brought in General Woll's dispatches of 
the 16th Ultimo to this Government 

Mr. r. L. Gitfard Her Majesty's Vice Consul at Matam.oros went 
down from here to that place in the same vessel, and I learn by a 
Note from him dated on the 14th Instant that General Woll had 
assured him He would use his best efforts to induce the President 
of Mexico to release the remainder of the Texian prisoners. It 
does not appear to be determined whether the Commissioners for 
the arrangement of the Armistice are to meet at Laredo or at 
Matamoros, but it is probable that Matamoros may be preferred. 
They would meet about the 25th of next Month 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 
T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 
'Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 23, of 1843, is missing: from the archives. 



252 Texas State Historical Association 

I take the liberty of forwarding a Newspaper which will place 
Your Lordship in possession of all that has transpired respecting 
the result of the late attempts to obstruct the Santa Fe traders on 
their return to that place from Missouri. Your Lordship will re- 
mark that the order to the Texian Officer was dated on the 16th 
February last, that is, rather more than a Month before any 
prospect of jSIegotiation presented itself to this Grovernment. 

It appears probable that this interference of the Government of 
the United States in behalf of the Mexican traders would be 
pleaded in support of decided interference in behalf of Texas, in 
the event of a resumption of hostilities, and any recurrence of the 
incursionary Warfare of last year upon the part of Mexico against 
this Country. 

Your Lordship's dispatches to Ko 9 inclusive have been re- 

^^^^^^' Charles Elliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. British Consulate 

,^ ^ , Galveston, August 29th 1843 

My Lord, ' *= 

In a despatch marked "Private," and dated on the 23rd of the 
Month, I expressed a hope that I might "soon be enabled to trans- 
mit to Your Lordship a Chart of the Harbour and Sketch of the 
Island of Mugeres, off the Yucatan Coast. 

Availing myself of the opportunity afforded by Her Majesty's 
Sloop of War "Scylla," which sails today from Galveston for Vera 
Cruz, I have the honor to forward a Map of the Island of Mugeres, 
with the Survey of the Coast and Harbour made by order of the 
Texan Commodore. 

I have incurred an outlay of a few dollars in this Matter, which 
I propose to include under the head of "Consular Contingencies" 

William Kennedy 

P. S. The Map transmitted is enclosed in a tin case, and I 
have reserved another copy for transmission, should the one now 
sent by any accident fail to reach its destination 

W. K. 
The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 

»F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 253 

ELLIOTT TO ABERDEEN^o 

No. 25. Galveston September 5tli 

1843 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to report that Her Majesty's Sloop "Scylla" ar- 
rived here on the 28th Ultimo, bringing me a despatch from Her 
Majesty's Charge d' Affaires at Mexico dated on the loth Ultimo," 
proposing on the part of General Santa Ana, an exchange of pris- 
oners. The Inelosures are the Note^^ I addressed to this Govern- 
ment npQn the subject, and my reply to Mr Doyle, but Mr Jones's 
answer will hardly reach me in time to be despatched by this 
opportunity. 

The Scylla sailed to Tampico and Vera Cruz on the 29th 
Ultimo. 

Affairs in tliis quarter remain in the situation reported in my 
last despatches. I may mention however that the elections for the 
next Session of Congress closed yesterday, and I believe it is gen- 
erally considered that the result has been favorable to the Admin- 
istration 

Charles Elliot 
To the Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 

ELLIOTT TO DOTLE^^ 

[Enclosure]. Galveston. August 2Sth, 1843. 

Sir, 

I have the honor to acknowledge your despatch of the 15th In- 
stant (received this morning) and in reply I beg leave to forward 
the copy of a note which I have addressed to this Government.^* 
In the absence of General Houston on the Upper Trinity at an 
Indian Council, from which he is not expected back for the next 
fortnight, and under the circumstances of the other claims on the 
Services of the "Scylla," I have not thought it right to request the 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

"F. 0., Texas, 23. Doyle to Elliott, August 15, 1843. 

i-Elliot to Jones, August 28, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspond- 
ence of the RepuUic of Texas, III, 1123-1124, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 
1908, II. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

^*See note 12, above. 



254 Texas State Historical Association 

Commander to remain 'till I can receive replies from Washington. 
She will therefore Sail again tomorrow. 

Wliilst I perceive no reason to donbt that General Houston will 
accede to General Santa Ana's proposal, I must beg it may be 
observed that I am speaking vsdthout authority, and must by no 
means be understood to commit him to that effect. The Mexican 
prisoners, however, are perfectly at large, and I am so sensible of 
General Houston's considerate dispositions toward them, that I am 
persuaded He would not offer the least objection to their return. 
It should be mentioned that many of them are engaged in profit- 
able Employments, and it is possible some amongst them may 
prefer to remain by their property, more particularly under the 
hope that peace is about tO' be restored, and that they may have 
an opportunity of realizing it, and returning at their leisure. 

It is very satisfactory to learn that the President of Mexico 
seems inclined to do whatever may be in his power, in the sense 
of conciliation, for the promotion of an honorable and lasting 
peace; and I am sure it may be depended upon, on the other hand, 
that this Government will cordially respond to those feelings. 

Copy. Charles Elliot. 

Charles Elliot. 
Percy W. Doyle Esqre. 

H. M. Charge d' Affaires 
Mexico. 

[Endorsed] Inclosure No 2 in Capt Elliot's despatch to The 
Earl of Aberdeen No 25. Sept. 5. 1843. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Slave Trade. British Consulate 

No 4. Galveston. Septr 5th. 1843 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose a Eeturn to Your Lordship's de- 
spatch marked "Slave Trade No. 1," and dated May 30th 1843. 

In conformity with Your Lordship's instructions, I have en- 
deavoured to make the reply to each question as concise as possi- 

^T. 0., Slave Trade, Vol. 479. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 255 

ble. Had Texas been an older Country, offering ampler materials 

for the return, some of the replies would have been more brief 

^ , „ . , -, T^ -n William Kennedy 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ^ 

[Enclosure.]. 



Republic of Texas. 
Consulate of Galveston. 

Return to a Despatch Mai-Iced, Slave Trade No. 1 — dated May 
SOth. ISJkS 

Query 1st. Anstver. No Census of the Eepublic of Texas hav- 
ing yet been taken, it is impossible to state, with accuracy, the 
amount of its population, or the respective Numbers of Whites 
and of Coloured people forming that population. According to 
election and other returns, the White population may be esti- 
mated at 80,000 (eighty thousand) souls, the Indians at 12,000 
(twelve thousand) and the Slaves at 16,000 (sixteen thousand). 
The free persons of Colour are extremely few. 

It is to be observed that this estimated population is embraced 
within the limits that desiguated Texas as a department of Ee- 
publican Mexico. The additional territory claimed by Texas since 
the Revolution, but neither occupied by her Settlers, nor held by 
her troops, contains a considerable Mexican and Indian popula- 
tion, for estimating whose numbers, tliere are no reliable data. 
By far the greater portion of this territory is waste. 

There is no Eegistry of Slaves in Texas. An Act of Congress 
"to raise a Eevenue by direct taxation," imposed a tax upon Slaves, 
and the Assessors appointed under the Act gave in returns for the 
year 1840, which produced the following result: — 

Negro Slaves under 15 years of age 4,992 

Over 15 and under 50 5,899 

Over 50 332 

Total 11,223 

There were no returns from nine (probably remote and thinly 
peopled) Counties. 

Allowing for omitted and imperfect returns, the whole Slave 
population of Texas, at the close of the year 1840, may be set 
down, in round numbers, at 12,000 (twelve thousand). Owing 



256 Texas State Historical Association 

to her unsettled relations with Mexico, the amount of Slaves in- 
troduced into Texas, since 1840, especially by sea, cannot have 
been considerable nor is there any substantial ground for sup- 
posing that the entire Slave population of the Eepublic, includ- 
ing a late accession by the adjustment of the North Eastern 
boundary line with the United States, at present exceeds 16,000 
(sixteen thousand) souls. 

Population in 1S32. By calculations chiefly based upon the 
Statistical Report of a Commission, employed by the Mexican 
Government, the population of the, then. Department of Texas, 
in the year 1832, may be estimated at about 20,000 (twenty thou- 
sand) Whites, 2,000 (two thousand) Negroes, and 15,000 (fifteen 
thousand) Indians. 

Population in 1837. The Texan Revolution in 1835 had, on 
the one hand, the effect of breaking up Settlements and dispers- 
ing Slaves, and, on the other, of attracting a crowd of Military 
Adventurers and speculators from, the United States. No good 
estimate can be formed of the amount of the population in the 
year 1837. It may be remarked that, at this period, there was 
no material decrease in the numbers of the Indians of Texas. In 
subsequent years, the Cherokees, and other tribes from the United 
States, were treated as intruders on the soil, and expelled from 
the Republic by force of Arms. 

Query 2d. Answer. — Information, drawn from competent pri- 
vate sources, warrants the conclusion that, within the last ten 
years, no Slaves have been imported direct from Africa, and in- 
deed, that no vessel from the African Coast has, of late years, 
entered a Port of Texas. It is confidently alleged that the fol- 
lowing list includes nearly all the Slaves that have, been imported 
from every quarter, with the exception of the United States, since 
the year 1833. 

1835. In this year, the notorious Munroe Edwards and a part- 
ner named Christopher Dart purchased 183 Slaves in Havanna, 
Shipped them openly on board an American Schooner called the 
"Shanadoah," and landed them in Texas, at the river San Ber- 
nard, South of the Brazos, in the Neighbourhood of the Cotton 
plantations. These Slaves continued under the control of Ed- 
wards until 1838. A Mortgage had been executed to the factors 
at Havanna, to secure the payment of 35,000 dollars, the un- 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 257 

liquidated balance of the purchase Money. Edwards endeavoured 
to avoid payment of this claim, and also refused to account to 
Dart for his interest in the purchase. The Slaves were placed 
under legal Sequestration, and Edwards filed a release from Dart 
for his share, which release proved to be a forgery. Edwards was 
arrested, but availing himself of enlargement on bail, he fled to 
the United States and passed from thence to England. By plausi- 
ble representations and the use of fabricated letters of introduc- 
tion, he succeeded in imposing on the friends of Negro Emanci- 
pation in both Countries. He is now imprisoned in New York, 
where he has been sentenced to undergo a long term of Confine- 
ment for swindling. — The Havanna firm, concerned as factors in 
the purchase of the Slaves for Edwards and Dart, have instituted 
legal proceedings in Texas for the recovery of the 35,000 dollars 
still owing to them, but, as yet, without effect. 

In the same year (1835) 40 Slaves, Shipped at Cuba, on board 
the American Schooner Harriet, was landed at the river San 
Bernard. 

1836. This year a Schooner (name unascertained) conveyed 
40 Slaves from Cuba to the Port of Velasco, where part of them 
were landed, but a Collector of Customs being stationed at that 
Port, the Schooner was ordered off, and she landed the remainder 
at Caney Creek. 

In the Autumn of the same year (1836) a Schooner under the 
Spanish flag. Commanded by one Moro, a Spaniard, and owned 
by a person named Coigly, born of American parents at Matanzas, 
and supposed to have carried 200 Slaves from Cuba, ran up the 
liver Sabine, which divides the United States and Texas. It is 
not known, here, whether the Slaves were landed or not. There 
is a story that the owner, Coigly, who was on board, was mur- 
dered, and that the Spanish Master went off with Cargo and 
Schooner. 

1837 and 1838. During these years, 41 Slaves, in two Ship- 
ments, were brought from Cuba and landed near the Brazos river, 
and thence distributed over the plantations 

Excluding some persons of Colour, kidnapped from the British 
West India Islands, who do not belong to this classification, and 
who were claimed by the British Government, the total of ascer- 



258 Texas State Historical Association 

tained imports of Slaves into Texas, within the last ten years, 
from all places except the United States, Amounts to 504. 

The fact that there were few or no persons in Texas possess- 
ing sufficient Capital to enable them to undertake the risk of the 
Voyage, is the reason assigned for there having been no direct 
importation of Slaves from Africa. 

There are no means for ascertaining the annnal amount of 
Slaves imported from the United States. With the exception of 
some purchased by Europeans at New Orleans, nearly all have 
been introduced by American immigrants. By Section 9th of 
the "General Provisions" of the Constitution of Texas, the admis- 
sion, or importation, of Africans, or Negroes, into the Kepublic, 
except from the United States of America, is for ever prohibited, 
and declared to be piracy. The same section provides that — "Con- 
gress shall pass no laws to prohibit emigrants from bringing 
their Slaves into the Eepublic with them, and holding them by 
the same tenure by which such Slaves were held in the United 
States." 

Query 3d. Answer. In criminal cases, the law does not extend 
either to the Slave, or to the free Man of Colour, the same pro- 
tection that it yields to free White persons. — For example — a 
Slave, or free person of Colour, Convicted before a District Court 
of maiming a free Wliite person, (which, in the case of Whites 
is punishable by fine and flagellation) incurs the penalty of death. 
By the same Act, it is provided that, for offences, not Capital, 
Slaves shall be tried before County Courts, at a special term to 
be immediately called, and "it shall not be necessary in such 
cases, that a bill be found by a Grand Jury, but the party shall 
be required to proceed to trial npon a charge made out and signed 
by the person holding the information, setting forth the offence, 
with which such Slave stands charged." — It is further provided by 
said Act, that — "if any Slave, or free person of Colour, shall use 
insulting, or abusive language to, or threaten any free "White per- 
son, upon complaint thereof before any Justice of the peace, such 
Justice shall cause such Negro to be arrested, and, upon Convic- 
tion, the Slave, or free person of Colour, shall be punished by 
stripes, not exceeding one hundred, nor less than twenty-five. 

Quenj Jfth. Answer. The law enacts that if — "Any person 
shall unreasonably, or cruelly treat, or otherwise abuse, any Slave, 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 259 

he, or she, shall he liable to be sued in any Court of Competent 
Jurisdiction, and on Conviction thereof, shall be fined in a Sum 
not less than 250, nor more than 2,000 dollars." It is further 
provided that — "if any person, or persons, shall Murder any Slave, 
or so cruelly treat the same as to cause death, the same shall be 
felony, and pimished as in other cases of Murder/' It is the 
duty of the District Judges to carry into effect the provisions of 
this law. 

Query 5th. Ansiver. The evidence of a Slave is not received 
in Courts of law. 

Query 6th. Answer. Opinion stigmatizes persons who maltreat 
their Slaves, and the general tendency is to feed them sufficiently, 
and to use them without rigour. Scanty fare and harsh treat- 
ment are generally confined to the Slaves of impoverished owners. 
Query 7th Ansiver. The Negroes of Slaveholders in easy cir- 
cumstances are considered to enjoy as good health, and to live as 
long as free persons, but it may well be supposed that this can- 
not be the case in regard to the Slaves of persons comparatively 
poor. Owing to the comparatively recent introduction of Slaves 
into Texas, there is no satisfactory test of their longevity. When 
the owners are poor, the dwellings of the Slaves will too often be 
insufficient to protect them from the variations of the Climate, 
which, in Winter, is cold even along the sea coast. The search- 
ing "Northers" cannot fail to operate keenly upon the African 
temperament, and to call for a supply of warm clothing, which 
insolvent owners are unable to afford. Nor are the Negroes on 
the low Alluvial lands that are subject to overflows exempt from 
the fevers peculiar to such localities. They suffer occasionally 
from attacks that require Medical remedies and care, and these, in 
a measure suited to their wants, their Masters are not always in 
a condition to provide. 

Query 8th. Answer. The Slave population is annually in- 
creased by the introduction of Negroes from the United States, 
most of whom belong to immigrants — Owing to the unsettled state 
of the external relations of Texas, the increase has been compara- 
tively small, and is chiefly exhibited in the Eastern Counties of 
the Eepublic. The Constitution declares that — "Congress shall 
pass no laws to prohibit emigrants from bringing their Slaves into 



260 Texas State Historical Association 

the Eepnblic with them, and holding them by the same tenure by 
which such Slaves were held in the United States." 

Query 9th Answer. The Manumission of Slaves is of rare oc- 
currence. — Section 9th of the "General Provisions" of the Consti- 
tution of Texas has these words. — "Nor shall Congress have power 
to emancipate Slaves, nor shall any Slave-holder be allowed to 
emancipate his, or her, Slave or Slaves, without the consent of 
Congress, unless he, or she, shall send his, or her. Slave, or Slaves, 
without the limits of the Eepublic." 

Query 10th Answer. — The laws and regulations have become — 
in, the letter — less favourable to Slaves since Texas obtained the 
position of an independent State. The real condition of the 
Negroes is little, if at all, affected thereby, as, during the period 
of Mexican supremacy, the laws for the mitigation of Slavery 
were virtually unenforced. 

Query 11th Answer. There is no professed or recognized sec- 
tion of Citizens in Texas favourable to the Abolition of Slavery. 
Whatever concurrence of opinion may exist among individuals, it 
has not yet developed itself through open Association, public Meet- 
ings, or the agency of the press. 

Query 12th Answer. The difference in the eye of the law be- 
tween a free White and a free Coloured Man, is extreme. Some 
evidence of this difference has been given in the answer to the 
third Query. 

The Constitution declares that — "No free person of African 
descent, either in whole or in part, shall be permitted to reside 
permanently in the Eepublic without the Consent of Congress." 

An Act of Congress makes it unlawful for any free persons of 
Colour to emigrate to the Eepublic. Any person so emigrating 
is to be arrested, and required to give bail for 4,000 dollars with 
the security of an approved Citizen for his removal out of the 
Eepublic. If unable to comply with this requisition of the law, 
such person is to be committed to Jail, and, after Notice, to be 
sold into Slavery for the term of one year. During the year, he 
is open to liberation, on rendering the specified bond. Failing in 
this, he is to be returned to the Sheriff at the end of the term, to 
be by him sold, at public Auction, and — "Any such free person of 
Colour so sold, shall remain a Slave for life." — The same Act pro- 
hibits Owners and Masters of Vessels from bringing, or aiding in 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 261 

bringing, free persons of Colour into the Republic, under a penalty 
varying between 1,000, and 10,000 dollars, with a reservation in 
favour of Ship Cooks and working hands. 

Query ISth. Answer. Free Coloured Men have never been ad- 
mitted to offices of the State. 

Query Hth. Answer. No periodical Census has yet been taken 
of the population in the District of the Galveston Consulate. 

William Kennedy. 
Consul at Galveston 
[Endorsed.] In Mr. Consul Kennedy's despatch of 5th Septem- 
ber 1843. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^*' 

Private. British Consulate. 

Galveston. Septr. 6th. 1843. 
My Lord, 

In the return which I have had the honor to make to the ques- 
tions in Your Lordship's despatch of 30th May, marked "Slave 
Trade No 1," I have stated that there is, in Texas, no recognized 
party favourable to the Abolition of Slavery. — This statement has 
been made with a full knowledge of the fact that, within the 
present year, certain proceedings have occurred, in this Section 
of the Eepublic, having reference to the emancipation of the Slaves. 

Some idea of the character and local effect of these proceedings 
may be gleaned from Newspaper publications, of which I beg 
leave to enclose extracts." 

On or about the 18th of last March, a Mr Andrews, who has 
been about three Years resident in this Country, and who, I un- 
derstand, has been in the legal profession, at the town of Hous- 

"F. 0., Slave Trade, Vol. 479. 

"This and the preceding dispatch from Kennedy have been printed in 
British Sessional Papers, 1844, Commons, Vol. 49; Slave Trade Correspond- 
ence, Class C, pages 282-286. They are here reprinted as of unusual 
interest and not easily available. The eleven enclosures in Kennedy's letter 
of September 6 are newspaper cuttings for 1843, as follows: Texas Times, 
March 18; Galveston Civilian, April 1 and 29, August 9, 12 and 26; Neio 
Orleans Republican. July 3 and August 29 ; Houston Telegraph, August 22 
(two cuttings) and August 30. These treat of the Andrews abolition 
movement and of the Yatcs-Converse correspondence, and are all printed 
in the volume of the British Sessional Papers just noted. The volume also 
contains much interesting material on the alleged violation of slave trade 
laws by a British firm, Frankland & Co. Other volumes of the Sessional 
Papers containing slave trade correspondence on Texas are 1845, Commons, 
Vol. 50, and 1846, Commons, Vol. 51. 



262 Texas State Historical Association 

ton, accompanied by a Mr. League, visited Galveston, and began, 
cantiously, to unfold a project of Slave emancipation. The sup- 
porters they found were not, it appeared, numerous; they were 
not permitted to develope publicly the object of their Mission; 
and, ultimately, Mr Andrews was forced, by the unlicensed inter 
ference of the populace, to enter a boat and proceed to the Main- 
land, under an injunction not to revisit the Island. His Col- 
league, Mr. League, quietly withdrew, without abiding the risk 
of ejection by a Mob. At this point, the agitation of the project 
of emancipation ceased in Galveston, and I am not aware that it 
has been again commenced in any other part of the Eepublic. 

The last of the Newspaper extracts which I have taken leave 
to transmit (No. 11) is from the avowed and admitted organ of 
the President of the United States at New Orleans. To that 
Article I would respectfully invite Your Lordship's attention, as 
I am assured, by a party whose trustworthiness I have long 
known, that Materials for its Composition, and of others in a 
similar vein, were received from a "qualified" source at the City 
of Washington (U. S.). I am told that the suggestion of the 
"New Orleans Republican/' recommendatory of the occupation of 
Texas by American troops, had (according to the writer from 
Washington) given "great satisfaction to the Secretary of State." — 
The Journalist was counselled to avoid political extremes, so that, 
by appealing to the interests of all Sections, unanimity of action 
might be secured "When the question of Annexation came before 
Congress in December next, — at which period it would be sub- 
mitted to that body, in the President's Annual Message." 

The New Orleans Journalist was farther advised to address the 
Southern interest on the topics most likely to stimulate — to ex- 
patiate, among other points, on the danger to be apprehended 
from the emancipation of the Texan Slaves — (estimated by his 
Correspondent at 15,000) — And the loss, by Texian rivaly, in the 
Cotton Market of England. — To the North, independent Texas 
was to be held up as a sort of British Colony, whose smuggling 
operations would defeat any Tariff, and whose Anti- American prej- 
udices would be fostered by British Capital and emigration. — 
"Annexation" — it was added — "had become a leading question 
with the administration, and decided action would take place 
upon it." 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 363 

My informant, who has no connexion whatever with News- 
papers, dates his commnnication on the 28th. of August, on which 
day he left New Orleans— the extract (No 11.) to which I have 
referred, appeared on the 29th of August. 

William Kennedy. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. Sepr. 18th 1843. 

Captain Elliot. 
No. 11. 
Sir, 

Your Despatches to No. 22 inclusive have been received and 
laid before the Queen. 

With reference to your Despatch No 11 in which you convey 
the desire expressed by the Texian Govt that a British Consul 
Agent should be appointed at Corpus Christi Bay, I have to in- 
form you that H. M. Govt, do not consider that such an appoint- 
ment is necessary as yet. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Strictly Private. British Consulate. 

Galveston. Septr 23d. 1843. 
My Lord, 

I had the honor to transmit to Your Lordship on the 29th of 
last Month, by Her Majesty's Sloop of War "Scylla," proceeding 
from Galveston to Vera Cruz, the copy of a Map of the Island of 
Mugeres, with the Survey of the Coast and Harbour, made by 
order of the Texan Commodore for the use of his Government. 

Eeferring to my despatch marked "Private" and dated August 
6t]i, I beg to state that I have seen the Signature of M. de Saligny, 
Minister from France to Texas, attached to a document to be 
used by the party holding it in the event of M. de Saligny's 
death. This document is in acknowledgment of certain claims of 
the holder to be recognized by France in case she shall obtain 
possession of the island in question. 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unsigned. 
=F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 



264 Texas State Historical Association 

Eeferring to my despatch marked "Private" and dated Septem- 
ber 6th, I have to inform Your Lordship that recent accounts 
from the United States tend fully to establish the accuracy of the 
information conveyed to me by my Correspondent at New Or- 
leans, and, in all important particulars, communicated to Your 
Lordship in that despatch. 

It may be proper to mention that M. de Saligny has been ab- 
sent in Europe more tlian a year, that the duties of French Charge 
d' Affaires are discharged by a locum tenens, and that the friends 
of M. de S. in this place profess to anticipate his early return to 
his post. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOTT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 28.* 
My Lord, 

I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's despatch No. 
10 inclosing the copy of a despatch to Mr. Percy Doyle dated on 
the 1st July.^ It has always appeared to me that the Course of 
the people of this Country concerning the final adjustment of their 
difficulties with Mexico will be entirely controlled, or at least 
mainly influenced by the purposes and proceedings of the Gov- 
ernment and people of the United States. 

Her Majesty's Government will have better means of judging 
of those purposes and proceedings than I can furnish from this 
quarter. But I can certainly perceive no grounds for modifying 
the opinions I have already had the honor to submit that the 
acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas by Mexico has al- 
ways been ill liked by the present Government, and a large part 
of the people of the United States; that such a Solution has be- 
come much more unpopular throughout the whole Union since it 

8F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 

*Ihid. Elliot to Aberdeen, Nos. 26 and 27, September 15, 1843, have 
been omitted. No. 26 treated of the Eliza Russell claims. No. 27 en- 
closed Houston's proclamation of September 4, 1843, permitting any 
Mexicans in Texas to repair to headqviarters of General Woll, and also on 
this topic a copy of Jones to Elliot, September 4, 1843. This last in 
Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1125, 
in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 

■^See page 250, note 4, above. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 265 

has been supposed to be favored by the Government of Her 
Majesty, and that of the King of the French; and lastly that if 
General Santa Ana be brought to act upon a material suggestion 
of Your Lordship's despatch 1st July to Mr. Doyle, this ques- 
tion will at once become one of great importance in the Affairs 
of this Continent. 

Your Lordship is no doubt aware that there is considerable and 
growing uneasiness upon this subject throughout the South West- 
ern part of the Union, and the reports which reach us here 
through the press of the United States and other sources are 
noticeable because of the evidence they afford of that state of dis- 
quietude. We hear of the rights of Louisiana to all the territory 
as far West as the "Nuecas," of the determination of the people 
of that State to assert those rights for themselves if the General 
Government does not otherwise effectually interpose for the break- 
ing up of any arrangement menacing, in their view, the stability 
of their Slave Institutions, of the' renewal of General Jackson's 
negotiations for the purchase of Texas, and a variety of other 
rumours of the like nature. 

It is commonly said here too, that the Conversation of the new 
Charge d' Affaires from the United States, near this Government, 
(General Murphy), is unreservedly hostile to a settlement of the 
difficulties under any other auspices than those of his own Gov- 
ernment, and I learn that at a late festive meeting he addressed 
a large assembly as his "Fellow Citizens." I take the liberty of 
mentioning this incident to Your Lordship, and [not?] that I 
attach much importance to it, for if His Government had any 
immediate purposes in view, this Gentleman would probably have 
been more circumspect than he seems to have been; but it causes 
a state of general feeling which I have thought it right to place 
under Your Lordship's attention. Indeed I would wish to men- 
tion that whilst it is my conviction that nothing can be more set- 
tled than the disinclination of a large part of the people of the 
United States to any adjustment of the affairs of Texas and di- 
rectly carried out by their own Government and [not?] in what 
they understand to be their interests, it is equally my habit to 
receive the details of any reported project with the utmost reserve, 
and I certainly have had no means of forming any safe opinion 
as to the manner of interference in these concerns. 



266 Texas State Historical Association 

I am of course sensible that mueli that is said and written in 
the United States on the subject deserves no attention, but I be- 
lieve that I have made no mistake as to the real state of feeling 
in respect to it, and I have considered it proper at this conjuncture 
to repeat the impression. 

It is to be supposed that this uneasy treatment of the acknowl- 
edgment of the Independence of Texas by Mexico upon liberal 
arrangements with respect to the Slave population, must help to 
satisfy Genl Santa Aha of the soundness of that course for the 
strength and safety of his own Country. And if he bases his 
policy upon that condition, granting an amply sufficient period to 
this Government for deliberation, and liberal limiting proposals, 
(for it will need both time, and favorable concomitant terms to 
prepare the people to adopt such a combination) I believe he will 
succeed in accomplishing a signal political triumph, lastingly hon- 
orable to his fame both as a Statesman, and a benefactor of Man- 
kind. 

One great practical advantage of the proposal of Mexico to 
acknowledge the Independence of Texas upon the condition to 
which Your Lordship has adverted, would be the indisposition of 
the Slave holders of the United States to bring any more of their 
people into this Country with the prospect of that conclusion be- 
fore them, or with the prospect of a renewal of hostilities upon 
such a ground, if Texas refused such a condition. It is a very 
material consideration in this subject, that the Cotton growing 
capabilities of Texas are superior to those of the United States; 
and if the principle of free labor can be established here, what 
with the opportunity of procuring labor from Mexico, and by im- 
migration from other quarters, and the increasing supply and im- 
provement of the Staple from India, there would be very soon an 
end of the remunerative production of Cotton by Slave labor in 
the United States. 

The supply from Texas this year will amount to nearly 100,000 
Bales (a considerable portion of it the produce of free labor) and 
if peace can be secured upon the terms Your Lordship has sug- 
gested, I entertain no doubt whatever that the Supply from Texas 
will exceed a Million of bales within 10 years from the date of 
such an arrangement. That supply must be exchanged chiefly 
against British Manufactures; And unless the tariffs of the 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 267 

United States, and the recent one of Mexico are very soon abated, 
it is easy to foresee that this Country will rapidly come to be the 
Seat of a considerable trade. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
P. S. 

I shall take the liberty of providing a Copy of this despatch 
to Mr. Doyle. 

C. E. 

ADDINGTON TO ELLIOT® 

Draft. F. 0. October 3, 1843. 

Captain Elliot. 

Sir, 

In reply to your despatch marked "Separate" of the 4th of 
Aug+.. in which you request to be transferred to some other post, 
on the ground of ill health, I am directed by the Earl of Aberdeen 
to acquaint you that His Lordship regrets that he can not hold 
out any hopes of being enabled to comply with your request; but 
His Lordship directs me to add that if you are desirous of ob- 
taining temporary leave of absence for the restoration of your 
health. His Lordship will very willingly grant it. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Galveston. October 10th 1843. 

My Lord. 

I have the honor to acquaint Your Lordship that the Commis- 
sioners from this Government for the Settlement of the difficulties 
with Mexico, Mr. Samuel M. Williams and Colonel George Hockley 
will sail for Matamoros tomorrow or next day. 

Their immediate object will be the arrangement of the terms 
of the Armistice, but I collect from them that they will not be 
able to go on to Mexico till Congress here shall have meet and 
sanctioned the necessary appropriation 

I beg leave to forward herewith the Copy of a letter of intro- 
duction* which I have taken the liberty to give the Commissioners 
to Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires at Mexico, as also the copy 

T. 0., Texas, VoL 6. The letter is unsigned and unnumbered. 
'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 
*Not transcribed. 



268 Texas State Historical Association 

of another private letter addressed to that Gentleman by this 
occasion, 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO DOYLE^ 

Private. Galveston October 10th 1843 

My dear Sii. 

The departure of the Commissioners for Matamoros affords me 
an opportunity to write to you a few lines. You will observe by 
the extracts from the American papers in the accompanying News- 
papers that they are rather excited upon the subject of British in- 
terference in the Southern Sections of that part of the World, 

I trust that Mexico will be true to the great cause of human- 
ity, and to itself, on this momentous occasion. The mere an- 
nouncement of their just and honorable determination that a 
land which was free under their rule should not be turned into a 
Pen of Slaves for the convenience of persons possessing such prop- 
erty in the exhausted Slave States of the North American Union 
would of itself be a very important step towards the establishment 
and security of the due and needful' weight of Mexico in the 
affairs of this Continent. They have but to signify that the sine 
qua non conditions of their acknowledgment of Texas by Mexico 
are decided and approved measures for the early and final dis- 
appearance of Slavery here, and formal adherence to the declara- 
tion of Mexico that the Independence is recognised and under- 
stood to be complete, whilst Texas remains a Separate Nation, 
but if [of] non effect in the case that it should annex itself to 
any other Countr)^, without the consent of Mexico. Such a pol- 
icy on the part of Mexico in the present emergency will have the 
effect of turning evil into good to it's lasting honor, and disaster 
into safety and advantage, interposing more effectual barriers 
against encroaching purposes from the other side of the '^Sabine," 
than the best lines of military defence, maintained in strong force, 
and the most effectual manner. 

I said in my note to you a few days since that I am satisfied 
General Santa Ana may consent to a truce of very liberal dura- 

•F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 269 

tion (it matters not how long) if He causes it to be publicly un- 
derstood at the same time that no combination of circumstances 
would ever induce Mexico to conclude a definitive arrangement 
with Texas till perfectly satisfactory arrangements were made for 
the Abolition of Slavery within some reasonable space of time, 
and on the contrary that Mexico is prepared to adjust finally on 
the most liberal footing as soon as that difficulty is removed. 

No more Slaves will be brought into Texas after such a dec- 
laration of the Mexican Government, and the tide of immigra- 
tion from the Slave States will be at once arrested; but there 
vail be, instead, a very large immigration from the free States 
of the Union (orderly people that come to work for their bread 
in peace, not to idle away their time in the hope of profitable 
adventure into Mexico), and from quarters in Europe well affected 
to Mexico, chiefly directed to the frontier conterminous with Mex- 
ico, which is the region of Texas best suited to European Con- 
stitutions. If hostilities are resumed again (a very unlikely event 
after such a declaration of the Mexican Government), that Gov- 
ernm.ent would find itself in an attitude of great importance and 
force in this part of the World. The people of the United States 
are given to keen speculative calculation, and that prospect would 
present to them the possibility of Mexican Arms marching forward 
into Texas with proclamation that Slavery had no legal existence as 
far West as the "Saline," that the disabilities of people of Colour 
whether of the mixed Indian or African races were in like man- 
ner non existent within those limits, that the lands in Texas held 
by Settlers not possessed of Slaves, or willing to manumit them, 
should be confirmed to them provided they hold themselves neuter 
to the contest, and finally that sympathy from the S. W. States 
of America would be answered with sympathizing invitations to 
the Black and Coloured people of all races in those regions to 
pass over to the right bank of the "Sabine" where they would 
find less talk about the rights of Man, and a little rational enjo}''- 
ment of them. Such reflections as these would assuredly present 
[a barrier?] to the blustering part of the population here and in 
the United States, immediately upon the public signification of 
the policy of the Mexican Government to have fast peace with 
Texas as soon as Texas saw fit to place Itself in a really inde- 
pendent attitude, as respected the S. W. States of America, in- 



270 Texas State Histmical Association 

stead of one of advanced post of aggression against Mexico, which 
it will continue to be till Mexico has the sound wisdom to sever 
the tie that connects Texas with those States. 

Added to the high honor and other force that Mexico would 
derive from this policy, there should be joined the reflection of 
that certain distraction and violence as in the Councils of the 
United States sure to follow any attempt of the S. W. States to 
force on a War with Mexico, arising out of any just measures for 
it's honor and safety, as to the Abolition of Slavery in Texas, 
which was a violation of the Constitution of Mexico from it's very 
commencement. The best and wisest Statesmen of the United 
States fully comprehend that it is for the well understood interest 
and safety of their own Country that Slavery should not be suf- 
fered to extend in a S. W. direction. They are opposed to it 
both on lofty moral principle, and upon grounds of policy; and 
if Mexico acts upon the suggestion which has been made from 
London, I believe there need be no serious apprehension of any- 
thing worse than a great deal of talk. If there be any unreason- 
able faltering in that particular, I believe on the contrary that the 
intrigues which I am persuaded are ripening, will occasion some 
very serious inconvenience. 

I make you no excuse for troubling you with these thoughts be- 
cause I am sure you will feel that I do so in some hope they may 
help the public Service, and I need not say that it will give me 
great pleasure to attend to any suggestions which you think may 
serve the like purpose in this quarter 

Charles Elliot. 
Copy 

Charles Elliot 
[Endorsed] Inclosure No. 2. in Captain Elliot's private de- 
spatch to the Earl of Aberdeen Octr. 10th 1843. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^" 

No. 7. British Consulate. 

Galveston October 11th. 1843. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose a Eeturn in duplicate of the prices 

i^F. O., Texas, Vol. 7. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 371 

of Indian Corn, Cotton and hides at the Port of Galveston, for 
the Quarter ending 30th. Ultimo. 

I shall take an early opportunity of transmitting a General 
Eeport respecting the Trade of this Country, which I have held 
over, for the purpose of rendering it as correct as possible. To 
arrive at statistical accuracy in an extensive and thinly peopled 
Country, where intelligence is not always enlisted on the side of 
truth, and where the Machinery of internal administration is of 
necessity very imperfect, is an extremely difficult task. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Secret. Galveston October 31st. 1843. 

My Lord, 

In a conversation with the President yesterday, he placed in 
my hand an original despatch from Mr. Van Zandt, Charge d' 
Affaires from this Eepublic in the United States, to the Secretary 
of State of Texas, dated at Washington on the 18th Ultimo. The 
President did not offer to furnish me with a Copy of the de- 
spatch, neither did I consider it suitable to ask for one, and I 
can therefore only furnish Your Lordship with a general state- 
ment of its contents from memory. But I read it with atten- 
tion, and I do not think that any material point has escaped my 
notice. 

Mr. Van Zandt begins by stating, that he had called a day 
or two before at the Office of the Secretary of State upon a sub- 
ject of trifling importance but Mr. Upshur interrupted his repre- 
sentations by remarking that He was glad to see him, for he had 
been on the point of writing to request him to converse on a mat- 
ter of moment. He then entered eagerly into the subject of the 
annexation of Texas to the United States, expressing much hope 
that the Governmient of Texas had not changed it's policy upon that 
point. The President informed me, at this place of Mr. Van 
Zandt's despatch, that upon announcing the late Armistice to that. 
Gentleman, He had been desired to take an occasion of verbally 
acquainting the Government of the United States, that the gen- 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



272 Texas State Historical Association 

eral Instructions to the Agents of this Grovernment near that of 
the United States upon the subject of Annexation must be con- 
sidered to be no longer of force, I use General Houston's lan- 
guage ; "that, that door was closed/' 

Mr. Van Zandt in reply to Mr. Upshur's first observation ad- 
verted to an expression in a despatch of the Secretary of State 
of Texas, (quoted in his own despatch of the 18 September) to 
the effect that it did not seem to the Government of Texas that 
the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas by Mexico 
would interpose an insurmountable obstacle to annexation with 
the United States, if that combination should therefore be con- 
sidered convenient. It seemed on the contrary, that it might 
smooth the way to that result, by means of subsequent treaty be- 
tween the two Countries 

Both the President and the Secretary of State, with whom I 
have conversed this morning, told me that this observation had 
been thrown out to induce the more hearty efforts of the Govern- 
ment of the United States with that of Mexico to secure the 
acloiowledgment of their Independence by Mexico; but having 
that Independence recognized, it was not the wish of the present 
Government, nor they firmly believed would it be found to be 
that of the majority of this people, that any treaty or other 
sclieme of Annexation should be entertained. 

Eeturning to Mr Upshurs conversation, as reported by Mr 
Van Zandt in the despatch of the 18th. September, I should in- 
form Your Lordship that it conveyed generally the determination 
of the Government of the United States to endeavour to effect 
the annexation of Texas during the next Session, if the Govern- 
ment of Texas consented to the promotion of such an arrange- 
ment. 

To Mr. Van Zandt's remarks (speaking in that particular, as 
an unauthorized person) that though it certainly seemed to him 
that such a proposal might find favor in Texas, still he could 
not but remind Mr. Upshur of the former failure of the scheme 
of annexation in the United States, Mr. Upshur replied that cir- 
cumstances had materially changed since, that it was the great 
measure of the present administration; that they had already 
sounded leading persons in the Senate, and that though if, was 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 273 

probable they would be stormily opposed, still they believed they 
should be able to carry the project. 

He wished Mr Van Zandt to report the subject of the present 
conversation to Texas by express, and to ask for immediate in- 
structions in order that affairs might be sufficiently advanced by 
the next meeting of Congress in the United States. But Mr. Van 
Zandt did not consider there was any need for an express, prob- 
ably because he had nothing to transmit, but the statement of a 
personal conference, for I remarked that nothing was delivered 
to Mr Van Zandt in a written form, and that Mr Upshur declined 
to furnish him with a Copy of the Instructions to General Thomp- 
son at Mexico, though he suffered me [him] to peruse them. 

Mr Van Zandt closes his despatch with a request for early In- 
structions, and a decided expression of his own opinion that the 
present administration at Washington is perfectly sincere in these 
professions and purposes, but leaving it to his own Government 
to form it's own judgment of their political strength to carry out 
such a scheme 

I said I hoped I was not asking too much in requesting to 
know in what sense this Government proposed to reply to these 
overtures. 

General Houston answered that Mr Van Zandt would be in- 
structed to communicate verbally that it did not seem to the 
Government of Texas to be convenient or necessary to entertain 
such proposals at all, till the Senate of the United States had 
manifested its readiness by resolution to treat with Texas, upon 
the subject of Annexation 

I did not pursue the conversation for the moment, desiring to 
reflect upon the course that it might be convenient to take in 
the present state of my information. But I have now to report 
the subject of a conference which I sought with the President 
and the Secretary of State this morning. 

Attentively considering the Communication from Washington 
which the President had been so good as to shew me, and gener- 
ally the indications of public feeling, and violent attack to which 
he had been exposed on account of some supposed undue and 
dangerous influence on the part of Her Majesty's Government in 
the Affairs of Texas, I thought that it was incumbent upon me 
to declare (after renewed examination of my communications 



274 Texas State Historical Association 

from Your Lordship) the scope and sum of Her Majesty's pur- 
poses concerning the settlement of the dispute between Mexico 
and Texas. 

The President might assure himself that the Queen continued 
to take a lively interest, in the prosperity and Independence of 
Texas; and moved by a sincere desire to hasten the close of a 
fruitless and painful Warfare, Her Majesty's Government w^ould 
willingly use every friendly effort in a strictly impartial sense, to 
consolidate a peace upon terms conducive to the honor, advantage, 
and stability of both the parties engaged in this contest. 

This was the plain purport of all my communications from 
Her Majesty's Government. 

But observing from what had passed at Washington that an- 
other phase of these affairs had now presented itself, I hoped the 
President would give me leave to offer some reflections arising 
out of that condition of things. I spoke of course without au- 
thority. If however His Excellency felt himself in a situation 
to assure Her Majesty's Government that he had entire confidence 
in the good will and ability of the Government of the United 
States to secure the recognition of the bona fide, and durable In- 
dependence of Texas by Mexico, by friendly means, and further 
that the associations between the people of this Country and of 
the United States, made it an object of moment to this Govern- 
ment that their affairs at Mexico, should be left to the countenance 
of the United States, it certainly was my opinion that Her Maj- 
esty's Government would readily desist from pressing the subject 
in that quarter, neither could I suppose that Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment would take umbrage at the expression of a such a wish 
upon the part of this Government. How far it might be con- 
ducive to a speedy settlement of these difficulties, and to the well 
understood interests of the people of Texas that the Government 
of Mexico should find itself negotiating with the Government of 
the United States for the acknowledgment of the Independence 
of Texas, to be followed by a treaty of Annexation with that 
Union, were points upon which it did not belong to me to offer 
any opinions. 

I hope, however, that His Excellency would authorize me to 
make a communication of his own views and intentions upon these 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 275 

of the Government of the United States to Your Lord- 
ship 

The President requested me to convey the expressions of the 
gratitude of the Government of Texas for the kind and power- 
ful support they had received from that of Her Majesty; earn- 
estly to request that there should be no relaxation in these friendly 
efforts to hasten the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas 
by Mexico, to state with perfect plainess that the Government of 
Texas had no ground to consider the professions of the Govern- 
ment of the United States to be directed by other motives than 
those of internal convenience; and that no reliance was placed 
upon their hearty interposition for the settlement of this dispute 
upon the basis of the Independence of Texas. But that even if 
the case were otherwise, the Government of Texas could never so 
far forget what was due to the Government of Her Majesty from 
which it had received earnests of helpfulness, or to its own in- 
terests, as to postpone the[ir] support to any other. 

Her Majesty's Government might rest assured that with the 
Independence of Texas recognized by Mexico, He would never 
consent to any treaty or other project of annexation to the United 
States, and He had a conviction that the people would sustain 
him in that determination. He had formerly been favorable to 
such a Combination. But the United States had rejected the 
proposals of this Country in its time of difficulty; neither was the 
subsequent conduct of that Government calculated to induce the 
Government and people of Texas in this mended state of things, 
to sacrifice their true and lasting advantage to the policy of party 
in that Country. 

The Government of the United States had been appealed to for 
interference in these affairs simultaneously with the Government 
of Her Majesty and that of the King of the French, and if those 
Government's had taken a m.ore active and decided part in secur- 
ing the recognition of their Independence, the President could see 
and feel that they had entitled themselves to the gratitude and 
confidence of Texas, but He could not observe that the existence 
of such feelings furnished just ground of complaint or uneasi- 
ness to the Government of the United States. He learnt that the 
Government of the United States was now taking a very lively in- 
terest in their efforts, as he anticipated would be the case as soon 



276 Texas State Historical Association 

as tliey heard of the Armistice, and the withdrawal of the In- 
structions respecting annexation; But up to this moment the Gov- 
ernment of Texas had not been favored with one word in a writ- 
ten form in explanation of their purposes and proceedings. They 
were no doubt kind, but what they were he could not positively say. 

I remarked to the President that this might be a convenient 
occasion to advert to one point which appeared to be the founda- 
tion of the existing misconception respecting the purposes of Her 
Majesty's Government. The subject to which I alluded was the 
desire of Her Majesty's Government for the Abolition of Slavery 
in Texas, collected from what had appeared in the public prints, 
and particularly from a late Conversation in the House of Lords. 
There was nothing here to occasion surprize or uneasiness. The 
Government of Texas in common with the whole world must have 
been perfectly aware of the settled feeling of the British Govern- 
ment and Nation upon the subject of Slavery, and though I had 
not yet received Instructions to press that topic, I naturally con- 
cluded that such instructions would soon reach me. 

Her Majesty's Government would probably dwell upon the 
wrongfulness of Slavery; on the deplorable error of setting out 
in the life and fortunes of a Nation, with all its prospects based 
upon an Institution, condemned and decaying every where, ac- 
knowledgedly a cancer where it did exist, and the subject of in- 
creasing want of confidence, and aversion in States, from which it 
had passed away 

These and other grounds of reasoning would possibly be strongly 
pressed upon the attention of this Government, but the President 
was too well acquainted with the character of the British Govern- 
ment to suppose that it would be unmindful of the just right of 
this Government and people to decide for themselves. 

General Houston had not the least uneasiness upon such a 
point; And without entering at all into this particular Subject, 
He could at least say generally that the views of Her Majesty's 
Government would always receive the most attentive considera- 
tion of the Government and people of Texas. 

Implicit reliance may be place in the sincerity and steadiness 
of the opinions General Houston expressed in this Conversation; 
but I certainly perceive no such gi-ound to depend upon the course 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 277 

of the people of Texas, if the project of annexation should be 
presented to them. 

The President would no doubt use strenuous efforts in the 
sense he has declared, but his administration closes in the Month 
of December 1844, and if He is not succeeded by a person influ- 
enced by the same policy, the uncertainty upon the subject would 
be much encreased. 

Your Lordship will perhaps be already informed as to these 
intentions of the Government of the United States, and no doubt 
of their ability in respect to them; But I have nevertheless felt it 
my duty to report this information in detail, and I will take the 
liberty to add an opinion which I offered to the President in a 
private way, that is, that their project seems to be shaped with the 
alternative intention of settling the matter in the way that pleases 
them, or of disordering any other settlement, and of the two, it 
seemed to me, that the last was the more hopeful result, for T 
did not believe that the G-overnment of the United States, had 
any confidence in their own power to carry out a project of an- 
nexation. But the agitation of it could hardly fail to alarm the 
Government of Mexico. 

I should mention that the American Schooner of War "Flirt^' 
arrived here on the 17th. Instant with Despatches for General 
Murphy, and referring to the date of her departure from ISTorfolk 
(the 30th, Ultimo) I conclude that the intelligence she brings is 
to the effect related in Mr Van Zandt's despatch. But General 
Murphy does not appear to have been authorized to commit him- 
self in writing upon the subject. 

General Houston and Mr Jones told me, that incredible as it 
seems, they were disposed to believe that the Government of the 
United States had listened to hastily to some extravagant reports 
from here, as to the sinister purposes of Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment in connexion with the Governments of Mexico, and of Texas 
for the assumption of this Country in Her Majesty's uame, and 
assured me that a small squadron of American Ships of War 
would shortly follow the Schooner. I remarked that these 
rumours were no doubt calculated to excite the people of this 
Country, and by throwing discredit upon General Houston to 
facilitate the frustration of his negotiations with Mexico; but I 



278 Texas Stale Historical Association 

would undertake to say that the Government of the United States 
never attached the least credit to such folly and falsehood. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 30.3 Galveston, November 13th. 1843. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to acknowledge Mr Addington's despatch No 
12,* and I avail myself of this occasion to report that intelligence 
has reached this place from Matamoras to the 29th. Ultimo, an- 
nouncing that the Commissioners from this Government had pro- 
ceeded to Sabinas (about 90 leagues to the Northward of Mata- 
moras) to meet General Woll and arrange the terms of the truce. 
It is probable that a reference will be necessary both to Mexico 
and to this Government before the conditions are finally adjusted. 

Having heard through the public press of some misunderstand- 
ing at Mexico upon the subject of an English Ensign, displayed 
amongst some flags said to have been taken by the forces of that 
Republic.^ I think it may be convenient to forward to Your 
Lordship a newspaper containing an account of the manner in 
which that Ensign fell into the hands of the ]\Iexican Govern- 
ment.*' I also take the opportunity of this despatch to men- 
tion that the trade between Mexico and the Western parts of this 
Country has once more revived with considerable vigour, imder 
the influence of a state of truce, and particularly of the prohibi- 

=r. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 

'Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 29, September 30, 1843, has been 
omitted. It referred to the "Little Penn' claims, and contained copies 
of Jones to Elliot, September 16, and Elliot to Jones, September 28, 1843, 
which are in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of tJw Republic of 
Texas, III, 1128 and 1139, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 

'October 3, 1843. 

^September 28, 1843, while attending a public ball, Doyle observed draped 
among "trophies taken in war," an English boat flag. He demanded its 
removal, was refused, and later the Mexican government declined to give 
it up to him. As a result, he discontinued diplomatic relations with Mexico 
until ordered by Aberdeen to resume them. (Adams, British Interest and 
Activities in Texas, 153-154.) 

"Not fotind. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 279 

tory regulations of the Mexican Government, so favourable to the 

promotion of extensive illicit traffic. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN'^ 

No. 8. British Consulate. 

Galveston, November 13th 1843. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose a return in duplicate, relating to 
the following Subjects : — 

Custom Laws of Texas, 

Wreck Masters and their Duties. 

Maritime Jurisdiction. 

Collectoral Districts.® William Kennedy. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 32.i« Galveston, November. 29th. 1843. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to transmit herewith the copy of a dispatch 
which I have this day addressed to Mr. Doyle at Mexico, in reply 
to a despatch from him, announcing the interruption of his offi- 
cial intercourse with the Government of Mexico, and I also take 
the liberty to forward an extract from a private letter which I 
have sent to him with my public Communication. 

Begging to refer Your Lordship to the appeal made by Gen- 
eral McLeod^^ in his letter to nie of the 26th. Instant (Inclosure 
No 2 in my despatch to Mr. Doyle) in behalf of Mr Antonio 
Navarro, I venture to hope that Your Lordship will compassion- 
ate his situation, and instruct Her Majesty's Minister at Mexico 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 

'Kennedy merely summarized the laws on these subjects. They can be 
conveniently consulted in Gammel, Laws of Texas. 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 

"Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 31, is missing from the archives. 
"Hugh McLeod, a graduate of the United States Military Academy 
(1835). He resigned from the army, practiced law, and early joined Texas 
in resisting IMexico. He commanded the Sante Fe expedition, was a 
member of the Texan Congress, 1842-1843, served in the Mexican War, and 
later on the Confederate side in the Civil War. (Appleton, Diet, of Am. 
Biog.) 



280 Texas State Histmical Association 

to intercede in his favor on the renewal of the public intercourse 
between the two Governments. 

His fate has always been the subject of great solicitude to the 
Government and people of Texas, and I am sure they would be 
grateful for the kind Offices of Her Majesty's Government. It 
has also occurred to me that acts of public clemency at the sug- 
gestion of Her Majesty's Government may be amongst the most 
pleasing proofs of respect and atonement which the Government 
of Mexico can afford for its late unsuitable conduct. 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. ^ ^1^^^!^= ^^^io* 

ELLIOT TO DOYLE^- 

[Enclosure]. Galveston, November 29th 1843. 

Sir, 

By the last arrival from New Orleans, I have had the honor to 
receive Your Despatch of the 5th. Ultimo, acquainting me that 
you had been compelled to suspend all diplomatic intercourse with 
the Government of Mexico 'till you had received further Instruc- 
tions from Her Majesty's Government. 

Accounts of the circumstance which induced that event had al- 
ready reached this place through the press of the United States, 
and in a dispatch to Lord Aberdeen, dated on the [13th.] Inst 
which will go to England by the Mail of the 1st Proximo from 
Boston, I had thought it might be convenient to forward His 
Lordship the copy of a Newspaper [of which another copy is 
herewith transmitted] containing a statement of the manner in 
which the English flag in question fell into the hands of the 
Mexican Government.^ ^ 

Since the receipt of your despatch of the 5th Ultimo, I have 
communicated with the Editor of this paper, and I learn from 
him that He received his information direct from General Green, 
who was present in the affair at Meir {sic). 

I have also ascertained from other respectable persons who had 
conversed with General Green upon this subject whilst He was 
here, that no English flag was displayed in that conflict, or upon 
any other occasion in the course of the operations which closed at 
that place. 

«F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 

"See Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 30, November 13, 1843. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 281 

The flag was used by the man into whose possession it had 
fallen, as a sleeping covering, and was found by the Mexicans, 
either, in his Knapsack, or it may be as a wrapper to his kit. 

Thinking it possible that there may be some pretension that a 
British flag was captured, when the persons composing the "Santa 
Fe" expedition surrendered, I have taken an opportunity of ascer- 
taining directly from General H. Mc.Leod who commanded that 
force, that no English flag was ever used in that service, or to the 
best of his knowledge was in the possession of any person in that 
expedition. 

Percy W. Doyle, Esqr Charles Elliot. 

Copy. 

Charles Elliot. 
[Endorsed.]. Inclosure. 1. In Captn Elliot's No. 32. Novem- 
ber 29. 1843. 

m'LEOD to ELLIOT^* 

[Enclosure.] Galveston. 

Sir, November. 26th. 1843. 

Inage Morris informed me on yesterday that you had desired 
to learn from me, whether any British flag accompanied me in 
the Expedition to Santa Fe, in 1841, under my command. — No 
such flag could have been officially used, and if any individual 
carried one it was without my knowledge — Indeed I am quite 
sure it was not done. 

While addressing you upon this subject, would it be improper, 
to solicit your kind offices, unofficially, for my unfortunate Com- 
panion, Mr Antonio Navarro. — His release would be but an act 
of justice to himself, and would confer happiness on a large fam- 
ily and numerous friends. 

This, if it can be accorded, I respectfully solicit in the name 
of General Lamar, under whose authority, as President of this 
Eepublic, that Expedition was sent as well as in that of. 
True Copy. H. McLeod. 

Charles Elliot 
To. Honl. Chas. Elliot. 

H. B. M. Charge d' Affaires 
[Endorsed.] Inclosure No. 2. In Captn. Elliot's No 32. No- 
vember. 29. 1843. 
"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



282 Texas State Historical Association 

ELLIOT TO DOYLE'^ 

Private Note. Galveston November 29. 1843. 

Brought np in a Military profession I take the liberty of re- 
marking, that the triumphant display of flags as National trophies, 
alvs'ays requires unequivocal proof that they were actually fought 
under, and captured in conflict. 

Ships of War, for example, usually carry the flags of all Mari- 
time Powers, amongst their stores, but when a Ship of War of 
one nation is taken by a Ship of another, it would be absurd and 
insulting to display any other Ensign in triumph than that of the 
Country to which the captured vessel belonged. 

If the British flag had been displayed and fought under at 
Meir, which it certainly was not, the right course would have been 
to forward a detailed and authentic statement of the facts to H. 
M. Government, with a request to know if any authority had been 
given for the use of the British National Colours to the persons 
from whom they were taken, within the limits of the Mexican ter- 
ritory or elsewhere. 

It was not time for the Mexican Government to take any fur- 
ther proceedings with respect to that flag 'till they had been for- 
mally answered in that particular. 

Persons who were captured in Mexico, fighting under National 
Colours which they had no authority to use, would no doubt be 
liable to be treated as mere marauders. 

But the triumphal display of the flag of a friendly Power, 
taken from such persons, is really much less an act of disrespect 
to that Country, [foolishly disrespectful as it is] than of total 
want of regard to the character of the Nation, exhibiting such 
spoils amongst the trophies of honorable and regular War. 

Whatever degree of dissatisfaction this impertinence may occa- 
sion Her Majesty's Government, it is manifest that the offence is 
much more serious against the honor and dignity of Mexico. For 
if it had been true that the people at Meir had fought under a 
British flag it would be equally [true] that, that very fact had 
rendered them within the description of marauders, or banditts, 
and Nations do not make triumphal display of the proofs of their 
prowess, over persons in that category, at the disregard too, of the 

^°F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter was not addressed, but was probably 
from Elliot to Doyle. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 383 

obligations of public comity to friendly Powers. The statement, 
however, that a British flag was taken in action at all, is void of 
foundation, and the unavoidable conclusion is, that the Mexican 
Government, has fabricated an explanation of it's conduct, which 
would have been discreditable in the last degree if it had been 
faithful. 

If there is any military person amongst your colleagues, I am 
sure he will testify to the correctness of this exposition of mili- 
tary usage, and probably satisfy the Mexican Government of the 
unfortunate attitude in which it has placed itself by this un- 
semmly adoption of the false report of this Commanding officer 
at Meir. His immediate and examplary punishment, and the 
most signal, and public proof of their own respect for the flag of 
a friendly Power, are steps far more necessary for their own re- 
lief, from a very discreditable scrape, than for the sake of any 
other consideration. It will no doubt be very easy for H. M. 
Government to set this nonsense to rights, so far as the dignity 
of Great Britain is concerned, but the Mexican Government should 
be told by some friendly adviser, that what they do spontaneously 
is what alone can set them to rights in the estimation of other 
Powers. 

Charles Elliot 
[Endorsed.] Inclosure 3. In Captn. Elliot's No 32. Novem- 
ber 29. 1843. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Galveston Dec. 2d. 1843. 

My Lord, 

The late accounts from Mexico induce me to address Your 
Lordship upon som.e points which may be of interest if these diffi- 
culties should grow into serious heats. Since I have been in this 
Country I have been endeavouring to procure some trust worthy 
information respecting the suitableness of the Eio Grande for 
purposes of Commerce, and therefore if need me, for flotilla opera- 
tion. 

An intelligent English Mariner of the name of Simpton was 
in the Service of the Texian Government, in command of a small 
revenue vessel is well acquainted with the Mouth of that river, 
T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 



284 Texas State Historical Association 

and I hope in the course of a few weeks to forward Your Lord- 
ship a chart of it, rudely drawn indeed, but upon the general 
correctness of which I should be disposed to place reliance. He 
is now absent at Corpus Christi, but will bring his papers back 
with him, and I shall then be able to select what may be useful. 

The river itself, so far as I can learn from persons who have 
crossed it at various points as high up as the Presidio Grande 
(which Your Lordship will find marked on all the Maps) is ill 
fitted for general commercial use, or military transport, being 
very shallow in the dry season, and it is said, having rapids, be- 
fore that point. All the rivers however, discharging themselves 
into the G-ulf, vary greatly in their navigable facilities, according 
to the season, and I dare say, that in the winter and spring Months, 
the Rio Grande would be navigable for a great distance in light 
iron boats, such as are used in the upper Ganges and Indus. There 
is a safe anchorage at it's Mouth called the "Brassos del Norte" for 
vessels not exceeding 10 feet of draught, but on the bar itself, there 
are not more than 7 feet of water. 

My experience in China, My Lord, taught me that one very se- 
rious want of our Military Marine is a sufficiency of vessels of force 
and resource, either of the Steam arm, or sailing, of a light draught 
of water. For expeditionary purposes into an enemy's Country, and 
conjoint operation, when troops must be covered and supplied, this 
is a very great want, and I would take the liberty to submit that 
three classes of iron Steam boats would be very necessary for effect- 
ive Service in Mexico. The largest like the "Nemesis," "Pluto," 
and "Pligothen" and not to draw more than 6 feet of water at the 
utmost, with a full supply of coal and other Materiel. A second, 
with a lighter Armament say a long 18 lb. brass gun, forward and 
aft not to draw more than 3 feet or 3 feet and a half, and lastly 
four or six of the class of boats em-ployed on the Upper Indus and 
Ganges, or even more with a force of ten or fifteen sail of boats of 
these classes it may be depended upon that there would be no diffi- 
culty in penetrating into the heart of Mexico, by the Eio Grande 
and the rivers to the Southward and Westward of Vera Cruz. It 
may be added too that after San Juan had fallen there would be no 
manner of use for any large Ships or Steam boats on this Coast of 
Mexico, except to serve as Depots for the light force in advance. 

Matamoros, Tampico, Alvarado, Tabasco are all accessible to 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 285 

Vessels of the draught I have indicated, Indeed I should mention 
that at Tabasco there are 11 feet of water on the bar, and that is 
one point to which I would most particularly draw Your Lordship's 
attention. 

The temper of Yucatan and Tabasco towards the present Govern- 
ment of Mexico is a consideration of much interest. The Tabasco 
river, or indeed the rivers into which the Main stream branches are 
navigable for a great distance. The Texian Corvette "Austin" for 
example drawing iipwards of 10 feet of Water went up as high as 
San Juan de Baptiste (about 80 Miles from the Mouth) and I be- 
lieve there is said to be a boat communication very nearly the whole 
way to the City of Mexico by that Stream. 

If that point were at once secured, and the people of that Prov- 
ince assured of protection and security at the period of the General 
Settlement, it is in the highest degree probable, that they would 
at once declare against the Central Government, and either join 
themselves to Guatemala or to Yucatan, forming a Eepublic with 
easy means of communication between the two Seas, and good 
ports on either Shore, i^either do I believe there would be much 
difficulty in pushing a flotilla so far either by the Tabasco Stream, 
(or by another to the Westward of it, also accessible by vessels of 
draught), that a land force might be transported to within a very 
few Marches of Mexico. 

Tampieo is another point of importance on account of it's contig- 
uity to the Mining Districts, and with that and Matamoros in the 
possession of Her Majesty's forces, and declared to be free ports 
during the continuance of hostilities, I am disposed to think that 
a much more extensive trade would be carried on with Mexico, 
than we have ever had in a state of peace; — And further that the 
North Eastern Province would very readily second this scheme, 
and be equally unwilling to return to General Santa Aiia's pro- 
hibitive system, for the better maintenance of his authority in the 
Central part of the Country. The eagerness with which the people 
of those parts of Mexico have returned to the illicit traffic between 
this country and their own, satisfies me that it might very easily be 
thrown open upon the most extensive scale. 

Blockade, Your Lordship will perhaps permit me to remark, is a 
mode of Warfare less likely to be stringent upon these people than 
inconvenient to ourselves, for tliey have no Merchant Marine to 



286 Texas State Historical Association 

distress, and they are generally independent of foreign Commerce. 
Indeed it would seem that a blockade would be seconding General 
Santa Ana's purposes of foreign exclusion, and I am afraid of 
dishonesty. The supply of any force operating on the Coast be- 
tween the Eio Grande and Vera Cruz (if there should be difficulties 
in that particular in the Country itself) could always be depended 
upon from Texas. Cattle are abundant here at extremely moderate 
rates, and depots of every kind of provision de bouche could al- 
ways be kept up here from New Orleans to any extent, and also at 
moderate prices. Depots of Coal might also be formed here if it 
were not considered preferable to establish them at the Brasses del 
Norte, Tampico, and on the Keys ofE Vera Cruz, as well as at 
Loguna and Tabasco. 

In the sending of stores of any land to the Brasses del Norte, 
or Tampico it would be necessary that they should be transported in 
vessels of very light draught; not more than 7 feet for Tampico 
or 9 for the Brasses del Norte. If iron Steamers of the smaller 
class should be considered necessary for any purposes of Her 
Majesty's Government in this quarter, I would submit that they 
might be sent out in frame to this place with their Machinery and 
everything ready for setting up, and with people competent to 
perform the work. It might be given out that they were sent here 
to be disposed of for the Navigation of the rivers of Texas, but with 
a Secret understanding with this Government, as to their ultimate 
destination; or they might be set up at Jamaica. I would take the 
liberty to say that Vessels for such a Service should not he long, on 
account of the sinuosities of the rivers of these Countries; from 
70 to 80 feet. I would also suggest that Captain Hall late of the 
"Nemesis" should be consulted on all points calculated to render 
them more handy and efficient for Service in small Water, and in 
rapid streams with abrupt turns. I have seen such feats performed 
with vessels of light draught (the passage of the "Nemesis" to 
within a few miles from Canton by the inner Channel, for example; 
and where she was only prevented from arriving by having a few 
feet too much of length) that I have a confidence a force of the 
kind, I have suggested could be pushed into the very heart of 
Mexico. 

Hoping Your Lordship will ascribe this intrusion to it's true 
motive, that is, a desire to further the public Service 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 287 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN- 

Galveston December 8th. 1843. 
My Lord, 

I have now the honor to forward Yonr Lordship the original 
draught of a Coast Chart of Texas (No 1) procured from Mr. 
Simpton the person to whom I adverted in my private letter of the 
2d. Instant. In the event of hostilities with Mexico an accurate 
knowledge of the Coast and it's ports might be important, for 
shoal as they are, they are the most practicable in this Gulf be- 
tween New Orleans and Vera Cruz, and indeed between that place 
and Cape Catoehe, and at all events they might be necessary of 
resort, for purposes of Supply, I would once more take the liberty 
to remark that though the Chart is roughly drawn, I believe it's 
general accuracy may be relied upon. 

I also transmit herewith a Sketch of the "Tobasco Eiver" which 
I have procured from Lieut Downing H. Crisp of the Texian ISTavy 
who visited it in command of the Schooner "San Bernard" in 
1841, in company with the Corvette "Austin" 

This Gentleman is an Englishman by birth and the Son of an old 
Commander in the Eoyal Navy — He has been well known to me 
ever since I have been in Texas, and being able to speak to his good 
character and sufficiency as a steady Officer and Seaman, I am 
sure that reliance may be placed in his information as far as it 
goes. Mr. Crisp did not visit Huasacalcos (about a degree and a 
half to the Eastward of Alvarado) but one of his Brother Officers 
did so, and reported 8 or 9 feet water on the Bar, and good naviga- 
tion inside. I believe it is at this point that the Mexican Govt, has 
projected a Canal to communicate with the "Chimalapa" upon the 
Pacific side. I may perhaps mention to Your Lordship that in my 
passage from England to this Country I became acquainted with 
a very intelligent Spanish Gentleman who had been many years 
in Mexico, and He assured me that the "Eio Grande" or "Tololot- 
lan" disemboguing at San Bias upon the Pacific, is navigable at 
Seasons for a long way, and speaking of it's practicability for 
Commercial purposes, he said that he was satisfied there would be 
no difficulty of getting up within easy distance of Guadalaxara, by 
that river, in such Vessels as I described to him to be navigating the 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unnumbered. 



288 Texas State Historical Association 

Upper Ganges and Indus. — He also^ spoke favorably of the Tampico 
River and the land route from that point to San Luis de Potosi 
(with very little expence) for commercial transport. 

I have once more to offer Your Lordship my excuses for this in- 
trusion, but not being sure that Her Majesty's Government may 
have the same information, I have thought it right to transmit it. 
I would also beg to add that I have no good Map of Mexico with 
me, and am therefore unable to judge to what extent this informa- 
tion is either superfluous or erroneous. I would take the liberty 
to remark however, that if there is correctness in what I have heard 
of the practicability of the "Tololotlan River" or indeed of any of 
the Rivers disemboguing on the Pacific Shores of Mexico, there 
would be no difficulty in despatching an effective Steam flotilla to 
that part of the Coast of Mexico from Bengal and Bombay through 
Torres Straits, forming Coal depots from India and New South 
Wales at Port Essington, the Sandwich Islands, and any other con- 
venient points in the Pacific Islands. 

Iron Steamers of the smaller class would have to be sent out in 
frame, and set up at the point on the Pacific Side of Mexico, or at 
least near the point that they are intended to move from ; But such 
Steam Vessels as we had in China could readily perform the 
Voyage by Torres Strait, and keeping in a low parallell, they would 
avoid the strength of the Trade 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ^^^^^les Elliot. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 34.^ New Orleans. Deer. 29th 1843. 

My Lord, 

Having reference to my despatch No 7 of this year, mentioning 
that the Government of Texas has levied discriminating duties on 
the trade from the United States, in consequence of the failure of 
the treaty of Commerce, I have now the honor to report that the 
Government of the United States by Treasury order dated on the 
]2th Instant has adopted a similar course in relation to the 
trade from Texas. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. 

»F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 

*Ibid. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 33, is omitted. It transmitted The 
Civilian and Galveston Gazette for November 8, 1843. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 289 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Separate. New Orleans. Deer. 29th. 1843. 

My Lord, 

Having reference to Your Lordship's obliging readiness to grant 
me leave of absence for the restoration of my health I beg to ob- 
serve that in the present Situation of circumstances I have not felt 
myself warranted in requesting that favor. But I have taken the 
liberty of repairing to this place, chiefly for better advice and con- 
venience than I can find in Texas for an instant, [having] fallen 
into a very weak state of health. 

Your Lordship is aware that I am in the channel of my public 
correspondence here, and I shall of course proceed to my post in any 
case of necessity. But in the actual attitude of affairs connected 
with Texas I believe I am as suitably posted at New Orleans as I 
should be in that Country, and I will therefore request Your Lord- 
ship's sanction to remain here or there, for the present, as I may 
judge most convenient for the public interests. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. New Orleans. December 31st 1843. 

My Lord, 

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Clay last Evening, who is 
here upon a visit, and he made some observations upon the sub- 
ject of Texian Affairs, which I think it convenient to communicate 
to Your Lordship. 

In reply to some remarks from a friend of his own upon that part 
of the Message^ of the President of the United States referring to 
Texas, he said that all question of the advantage or otherwise of 
annexation either to the United States or Texas, was entirely super- 
fluous, for he could state in the most positive manner that no 
scheme of that kind either by treaty, or in any other form, could be 

^F. O, T^xas, Vol. 6. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. Ihid. Elliot to Aberdeen, Nos. 35 and 36, Decem- 
ber 31, 1843, have been omitted. No. 35 referred to the "Eliza Russell" 
claims, and the method of their payment through the collector of customs 
at Galveston. No. 36 enclosed a return of correspondence for the year 1843. 

'President Tyler's annual message, December 5, 1843. 



290 Texan State Historical Association 

carried through the Senate of the United States. The prepon- 
derance of Mr. Clay's party in the Senate, and the decided man- 
ner in which he repeated this declaration two or three times, will T 
hope be my excuse for this intrusion. 

Being upon this subject I take the liberty to observe to Your 
Lordship that both my Colleagues Monsieur De Cramayel (who is 
also staying here) and myself, have been much surprised that the 
President of the United States should have dwelt at so much length 
on the affairs of Texas without a word of notice of the feelings or 
wishes of the Government and people of that Country. It has also 
appeared to us that this lively interest in the affairs of Texas would 
have been more kindly timed, and more suited to the necessities 
of the case in December 1842, when there was reason to appre- 
hend that the Mexicans did meditate an incursion into Texas : But 
at that time the Government of the United States was negotiating 
it's claim convention with Mexico, and in the prepare of that 
business Texian interests and dangers appear to have been over- 
looked. 

At all events there can hardly be thought to be any practical need 
to declare that Mexico must not be suffered to make war upon 
Texas, at the particular moment that She is engaged in the at- 
tempt to make a peace with Texas, and I must confess that the in- 
terference of the United States is not intelligible to me, upon any 
ground that has been explained. The President's allusion to the 
particular views, of other Powers, or I believe the phrase is, the 
peculiar views, is not compatible with due respect for the inde- 
pendence of Texas. 

It has been forgotten or disregarded that it is for the Government 
and people of Texas to consider, and accept or reject any counsels 
founded upon the peculiar view that Slavery is a wicked and a 
dangerous Institution, and I am inclined to think that nothing 
would be better calculated to help the suggestions of other Powers, 
that [than] these arbitrary declarations of the United States. The 
President of the United States would never have spoken so im- 
periously of the perfect right of any State in this Confederacy to 
deal with it's own affairs, as he has upon this occasion concerning 
Texas. 

I do not believe that this tone will be agreeable to General 
Houston, and I look for some early and calm notice from that 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 291 

quarter, that Texas has a Goverrnnent and people. The Message 
of the President of Texas will reach Your Lordship with these 
despatches, and I believe it will afford Her Majesty's Government 
much satisfaction. I hardly know whether I can give better proof 
of the favorable effect it has produced in this Country amongst 
well judging persons than to mention that Mr Clay spoke of it in 
terms of approbation, and indeed generally of General Houston's 
policy; a circumstance the more honorable to General Houston, 
as he was always a strong political opponent of Mr Clay's in this 
Country. Mr Clay indeed did not seem to me to be friendly to the 
Annexation of Texas to the United States either now, or pros- 
pectively. He said more than once that the United States were 
wide enough already, and that there was much more of risk, than 
convenience or strength in extended Confederacies. 

In a separate despatch which I had the honor to write to Your 
Lordship on the 29th Instant, I have requested sanction to reside 
here or in Texas during the present Agitation of Texian affairs in 
this Country, and I would wish to add in a private form, that the 
want of quiet trustworthy channels of Communication between 
Texas and ISTew Orleans is one of my chief reasons, for requesting 
that permission 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Draft. F. 0. January 3d. 1844. 

Captn. Elliot. 
No. 2.^ 
Sir, 

I transmit to You herewith, for Your information, a Copy of 
a Despatch which I have addressed to H. M's Minister at Washino-- 
ton,^*' with a view to put a stop to the Misrepresentations which 
have been circulated of late in the United States, and the errors 

«F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is unsigned. 

°F. O., Texas, 20. Aberdeen to Elliot, No. 1, January 3, 1844, has been 
omitted. It acknowledged receipt of despatches from Elliot. 

^''Aberdeen to Pakenham, No. 9, December 26, 1843. Tliis is the first of 
the noted Calhoun-Pakenbam letters, and in it Aberdeen, while maintain- 
ing Great Britain's right to take ground against slavery wherever found, 
disclaimed any intention of interfering improperly to secure the abolition 



292 Texas State Historical Association 

into which the Govt, of that Republic seem to have fallen, on the 
subject of the polic}^ of Great Britain with respect to Texas. 

You will communicate the inclosed Despatch to the Texian 
Govt. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ ^ 

No. 1. British Consulate 

Galveston, Januar}^ 5th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to forward Copy of a Despatch addressed by me 
to Captain Elliot at New Orleans. To avoid the risk of delay 
where delay might, perhaps, be disadvantageous, I have also trans- 
mitted Copy of the same despatch to Her Majesty's Minister at 
Washington, United States. 

I beg to enclose extracts from a Kewspaper called the "Citizen''^'^ 
which was established last Summer for the express purpose of 
supporting the Measures of General Houston. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^^ 

[Enclosure] British Consulate 

Cofy. Galveston January 2d 1844 

Sir. 

I beg to inform you that, by accounts received from the Seat of 
Government, it appears that on the 19th Ultimo, a "Joint Resolu- 
tion for the Annexation of Texas to the United States," was read 
a second time and referred to Committee. 

of slavery in Texas, or of "seeking to act directly or indirectly in a polit- 
ical sense on the United States through Texas." The correspondence as 
published in the United States is in Sen. Doc. 341 (Serial No. 435), 28 
Cong., 1 Sess. As published in Great Britain it is in Sessional Papers, 
1847-8, Commons, Vol. 64, Return of Pakenham-Calhoun Correspondence 
(136), and contains an additional letter, Pakenham to Aberdeen, April 
28, 1844. There are also two additional unpublished letters. Aberdeen to 
Pakenham, January 9 (F. 0., Texas, 20), and June 3, 1844 (F. 0., 
America, 403). For quotations and analysis, see Adams, British Interests 
and Activities in Texas, ch. VII. Smith, The Annexation of Texas, p. 200 
seq. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

"December 30, 1843. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 293 

The impression of parties recently arrived from the Seat of 
Government is that this resolution will pass. 

Captain Elliot, E. N. New Orleans, U. S. ^^^^^'""^ ^'^^^"^y- 
[Endorsed] Enclosure No 1. In Mr Consul Kennedy's, despatch, 
dated January. 5th 1844. 

KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^^ 

No 2. British Consulate 

Sir, Galveston January 8th. 1844. 

The growing Commercial intercourse between England and this 
Country, and the prospect of its progressive enlargement, render 
it desirable that the attention of the Shipping Interest, should be 
directed to the character of the Charts generally consulted on 
voyages to Texas. Of all that I have had an opportunity of in- 
specting, not one is correct, while some are considerably, and 
some extravagantly in error. 

There are, at present, five British Vessels in this Port. — The 
Chart used on board one of these (represented by the publishers 
as corrected to the year 1841) exhibits an error of nearly two 
degrees in the Longitude of Galveston Island. The Charts of two 
others, which the publishers describe as having been corrected to 
the year 1843, severally indicate the depth of water on Galveston 
Bar at Sixteen or Sixteen and a half feet, — the real depth being, 
at low water, about ten feet, and, at high water, twelve, except on 
the occasion of a Spring tide. In all the Charts hitherto in use, the 
Coast line of Texas is wrongly laid down. — Of the five Merchant 
Vessels I have mentioned, the last that has arrived — A Schooner 
from Nassau, New Providence — ran aground in attempting to 
make the Port, and was only got off by sacrificing part of her Cargo, 
— A Misfortune attributed by the Master to his Chart, which it 
appears, misled him to the extent of some sixty Miles. 

Voyages to Galveston are burthened with an unusually high rate 
of insurance, yet, with such a Measure of Caution as no honest 
and judicious Ship Master will fail to exercise, and the assistance 
of a trust-worthy Chart, no extraordinary danger, or dijfficulty need 
be apprehended for vessels whose draughts of water will permit 
them to pass the Bar. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



294 Texa^ State Historical Association 

In the hope that it may prove useful, I have the honor to trans- 
mit a Chart^* of Galveston Bar, and Harbour, as surveyed in 1841 
by the Commodore of the Texan Navy, and recently corrected by 
an experienced local draughtsman. On the accuracy of this Chart, 
with reference to all the points essential to be known by Naviga- 
tors, reliance may be placed. 

It will be seen that the North East end of Galveston Island is 
in Latitude N. 29°, 18', 50" and Longitude W. 94°, 48', 30". 

The average height of the Island, above the bed of the Sea, is 
eight feet — and of the Sand-hills that border the Coast, fifteen feet. 
— Some conspicuous land mark is much required, as a guide to 
Vessels when making the Port. There were formerly beacons on 
the North East end of the Island, but these disappeared in 1842, 
and have not yet been replaced. The authorities, however, in answer 
to an application from this Consulate, have expressed an intention 
"to have the necessary beacons, or land-marks erected, so as to 
enable vessels bound inwards to make the Anchorage, or pass into 
the Harbour, without danger." 

The Coast being so low, particularly in the neighbourhood of 
the Bars, breakers may generally be observed, and vessels becalmed, 
on approaching the Bars, must guard against the indraught Cur- 
rent, from neglect of which precaution, some have been lost. 

Navigators will do well to keep a sharp look-out for Currents, 
which run in the direction of the prevailing winds. The Currents 
inshore will vary a little according to the veering of the wind, and 
the shallovniesss of the water renders this variation comparatively 
rapid. A vessel becalmed near the land is liable to drift ashore, 
unless she be brought to an anchor, which can be safely and easily 
effected at any point along the Coast. 

The "Norther," which is the prevailing wind during the Winter 
Months, produces gales, but they are not of long duration. If a Ves- 
sel is caught by a "Norther," it will blow her off the shore. During 
the greater part of the year, especially in Summer, South Easterly 
winds prevail, with variations caused by local influences. After 
a continuence of strong Northerly winds, the water in Galveston 
Bay is "blown out," and, for some succeeding days, the tides seem 
very strong. — A vessel at Anchor in the Stream should be carefully 
and well secured. 

"Not found. 



I 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 395 

According to returns from the Galveston Custom-House, Sixteen 
British Vessels, sailed to that Port in the years 1841 and 1843. 
Of these, four were lost on the Coast, while it does not appear that 
any American Vessels, of which a much greater number visited the 
Port, experienced a similar fate during those years. Other causes 
than the intricacy of the Navigation, or the infidelity of the Charts, 
have certainly been assigned for the loss of the four Ships, but the 
latter is not the less an evil that calls for remedy as well as notice. 

William Kennedy. 
John Bidwell, Esq. 

ABEEDEEN TO ELLIOT^^ 

Draft. F. 0. January 11th. 1844. 

Capt. Elliott. R. N. 
No. 4." 
Sir. 

AVith reference to my Despatch No. 3, of the 3d Inst. I transmit 
to you herewith, for Your Information a Copy of a Despatch^'^ 
which I have addressed to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, 
on the subject of that part of th£ late Message of the President of 
the United States to Congress which relates to Texas. 

P. S. I have to direct You to read the inclosed despatch to 
the Texian Secretary of State. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 4.i» New Orleans, Jany. 15th. 1844. 

My Lord, 

Nothing is yet officially known of the proceedings of the Texian 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is unsigned. 

"F. 0., Texas, 20, Aberdeen to Elliot. No. 3, January 3, 1844, has been 
omitted. It related to the whereabouts of Mr. John Orr and contained 
copies of letters from Doyle and from Orr's father. 

"F. 0., Texas, 20, Aberdeen to Pakenham, No. 1, January 9, 1844. 
See note 10, p. 291. Aberdeen expressed indignation at the tone of 
President Tyler's message in which it had been hinted that England was 
seeking to block the annexation of Texas. Pakenham was instructed to 
communicate the contents to the American Secretary of State, but did not 
do so, and the letter was never published. For quotation, see Adams, 
British Interests and Activities in Texas, 156-157. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 

"F. 0., Texas, 9, Nos. 1 and 2, 1844, Elliot to Aberdeen are missing 
from the archives. No. 3, January 12, 1844, has been omitted. It trans- 
mitted bills in settlement of the "Eliza Russell" claims. 



296 Texas State Historical Association 

Commissioners charged with the attempt to conclude a truce with 
Mexico. But I hear from authentic sources of a letter from one 
of them (dated on the 6th Ultimo) which mentions that although 
their progress was slow, he did not despair of some satisfactory 
conclusion 

The Message of the President of the United States, however, 
could not be known in Mexico before the end of last Month, at 
the earliest, and Your Lordship will he best able to judge of it's 
effect on the pending negotiations. 

I collect from the public prints in this Country that a Second 
Convention for the settlement of certain Claims of Citizens of the 
United States has recently been concluded at Mexico, and I am 
disposed to think that the agitation of the question of of Annexa- 
tion, at least by the Government of the United States, will be a 
good deal quieted by that event. That agitation, with other acci- 
dental circumstances, served no doubt to forward the conclusion 
of the Convention. But perhaps that Measure,. and the breaking 
up of the Negotiations, if that too should happen, will restore the 
Government of the United States to the same state of feeling in this 
respect, as had always obtained up to the period of the late ar- 
mistice; except indeed when their own immediate affairs become 
matter of urgent pressure at Mexico. In that state of things, 
the Situation of Texas, and the character of the warfare, were forci- 
bly insisted upon, as was the case for example, shortly before the 
claim convention of last year; But the satisfactory settlement of 
the claim negotiations appears to have been attended with tran- 
quillising effects on the other grounds of interest and remonstrance. 

Observing that these affairs are once more in question between the 
Governments of the United States and Mexico, it is to be hoped 
that the first will be able and willing to satisfy the other, that 
there is no purpose of annexing Texas to the North American 
Union. That would probably be the most hopeful mode of pacificat- 
ing this Contest, the kindest course both to Texas and to Mexico, 
and in the opinion of the most eminent Statesmen in the United 
States, the sound and honorable policy for their own Country. 

I should mention to Your Lordship that movements have been 
made in the Texian Congress in the direction of annexation to the 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 297 

United States, but I do not enter into that subject at present, 
because they have not yet passed into any definite form. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Right Honorable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT"" 

Draft. E. 0. Jany. 31. 1844. 

Captain Elliot. 
No 5. Confidl. 
Sir, 

With reference to my despatch No. 4. of the 11th inst. respecting 
that part of the late Message of the President of the United States 
to Congress which relates to Texas, I transmit to you Confidentially 
herewith for your information a Copy of a despatch upon this sub- 
ject which I addressed on the 12th inst. to Lord Cowley H. M 
Ambassador at Paris, together with an Extract of H. E. reply 
thereto. I also enclose an Extract of the despatch from Mr. Fox 
referred to in my despatch to Lord Cowley.^ ^ 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN-2 

No. 5. New Orleans February 10th. 1844. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's 
despatches to No 3 of this year, and to transmit herewith the Copy 
of a Note which I have this day addressed to the Secretary of 
State of Texas, covering the Copy of Your Lordship's Despatch 
No. 9 of last year to Mr. Pakenham.-^ 

^"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is unsigned. 

'T. 0., Texas, 20. Aberdeen to Cowley, No. 16, January 12, 1844; 
Cowley to Aberdeen, No. 33, January 15, 1844; Fox to Aberdeen, No. 
133, December 13, 1843. Aberdeen, stirred by Tyler's message foreshad- 
owing annexation, virtually proposed to France to join with "Great Brit- 
ain in preventing this. France gave a favorable reply. For quotations 
from these documents, and analysis, see Adams, British Interests and 
Activities in Texas, pp. 157-160; Smith, The Annexation of Texas, p. 
383, seq. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 

'''This was Aberdeen's instruction to Pakenham, December 26, 1843. 
See Note 10, page 291. 



298 Texas State Historical Association 

The state of my health has prevented me from proceeding to 
Texas by this occasion. But it appeared to me to be of consequence 
at this Conjuncture, that no time should be lost in placing General 
Houston in possession of this exposition, — And I therefore de- 
termined to forward a Copy of the despatch, signifying at the same 
time, in a private note to the Secretary of State, that it would not 
be convenient it should be published in Texas, unless the Govern- 
ment of the United States, to which it was particularly addressed, 
should see fit to publish it in this Country. 

I am recovering from my indisposition, and hope to be able to 
pay a visit to General Houston by the next boat, which will leave in 
two or three days. 

Eumours are in circulation here (brought from Texas) that a 
truce of 10 years has been agreed upon, between the Mexican and 
Texian Commissioners, — but I have a few private words from an 
authentic source dated at Washington in Texas on the 6th Instant, 
and at that date they were not in possession of any such informa- 
tion, and did not write in confidence of such a result. I am not 
without hope, however, that a state of truce may be maintained. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Eight Honorable, 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO JONES^* 

[Enclosure.] JSTew Orleans, February 10th 1844, 

Copy 

Charles Elliot. 

The Undersigned Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d' AfPaires to 
the Eepublic of Texas, has the honor to transmit to Mr Jones the 
Copy of a despatch from The Earl of Aberdeen to Her Majesty's 
Minister at Washington, and he regrets that the state of his health 
prevents him from having the pleasure of communicating it in 
person. 

The President will perceive from this exposition to the Govern- 
n.-ent of the United States how accurately he has always estimated 
the friendly purposes of Her Majesty's Government towards the 
Eepublic of Texas, and their state of feeling and principle of 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 299 

guidance upon all the other points adverted to in the despatch to 
Mr. Packenham. 

In forwarding this Commnnication The Undersigned is sensible 
that it would be superfluous on his part to dwell upon the con- 
tinued interest which Her Majesty's Government takes in the 
Independence and prosperity of Texas, or to do more than repeat 
the assurance of their continued efforts to promote those results. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Honorable Anson Jones, Washington on the Brazos. 
[Endorsed.] Inelosure in the Despatch No. 5. from Captain El- 
liot to the Earl of Aberdeen, Feb. 10, 1844. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN-^ 

No. 6. New Orleans, Feby 17th 1844. 

My Lord. 

It has been so generally reported in Texas that a scheme of 
Annexation to the United States by treaty, is in an advanced state, 
that I consider it right to notice these reports to Your Lordship; 
remarking that nothing of the Idnd has transpired here, and that 
the statement is not believed by persons of great knowledge and 
weight in this Country. 

Your Lordship has however been for some time aware of the 
feelings and purposes of the present administration in the United 
States upon this subject, and will of course be fully informed of 
the actual position of circumstances at Washington, in relation to 
it. 

But speaking of the policy of the Government of Texas, I will 
not hesitate to repeat my belief that the President is steadily 
determined to sustain the durable independence of the Country. 
Your Lordship however, is aware of the pressed condition of Texas, 
and if the recent movements at Washington should induce a rup- 
ture of the truce, and the option of annexation to the United States 
should really present itself (of the likelihood of which, I am an 
incompetent judge) it is not to be expected that the Government 
of Texas could or would resist the popular impulses in that di- 
rection. 

=^F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 



300 Texas State Historical Association 

Upon the whole there is reason to believe that the Government 
of Mexico should put an end to all further risk of inconvenient 
Complication, by adjusting a truce with Texas, accompanied by 
declarations, necessary for it's own safety 

I leave for Texas the day after tomorrow to pay a visit to Gen- 
eral Houston, but my health is so shattered that I must request 
Your Lordship will have the goodness to grant me leave to pro- 
ceed to the Northern parts of the United States whenever I may 
find it necessary to depart. Indeed I should have already availed 
myself of Your Lordship's leave of a.bsence, but I thought it might 
be convenient to the public interests that I should remain, either 
till the truce had been steadily established, or till it's rupture, 
consequent upon the tone at Washington, had produced such a diff- 
erent phase of affairs, as might change the position of Her Ma- 
jesty's Government in respect to them. 
To The Eight Honorable ^^^^arles Elliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K, T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Separate. New Orleans. 

March. 7th 1844. 
My Lord, 

Since I had the Honor to address you last, I have been afflicted 
by a dangerous Sickness, which has left me almost without 
strength. 

Your Lordship will observe by the accompanying Medical Cer- 
tificate that I have no choice but to request permission to leave 
these Climates as soon as possible 

I should prefer to return to Europe as the Certificate advises, 
but if Your Lordship shall be of opinion that it would be more 
convenient for the public interest that I should not go so far 
from my Post at present I would endeavour to find suitable change 
on the Northern parts of this Continent, and return to my duties 
as soon as my health enabled me. 

The Eight Honorable, ^^^^^^^ ^1^^°^' 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

'''F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 301 

RUSHTON TO ELLIOT"^ 

[Enclosure.] ISTew Orleans. 

7th March. 1844. 
My Dear Sir, 

I think it my duty to advise you as a Measure absolutely necessary 
to re-establish your health, that you change our Climate for a 
Northern one and that you leave New Orleans and its vicinity at 
as early a period as may be practicable 

I conceive that your attack of severe Dysentery has proceeded 
from a debilitated state of the Digestive Organs, brought on by 
long residence in tropical Climates, and am satisfied that your 
continued residence either here, or in a latitude as low as Texas, 
would be attended with great risk of a return of your present 
Complaint, and from the consequences of such a return you have 
everything to dread. 

Under these circumstances, I conceive it your duty at whatever 
sacrifice, to leave our hot and humid Climate, for one more dry 
and bracing. 

W. Eushton: M. D. Edin 
To Capt. Elliot. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEX-^ 

No. 8.2« New Orleans, March 15th. 1844. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to transmit the Copy of a note which I have 
recently received from Mr Jones^^ acknowledging my own note 
of the 10th Ultimo already forwarded to Your Lordship. 

The Government of Texas has lately dispatched two Gentlemen 
in the President's particular confidence (General Henderson^" and 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 

='F. 0., Texas, 9. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 7, March 7, 1844, acknowledg- 
ing receipt of despatches, has been omitted. 

^Jones to Elliot. February 19, 1844. In Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- 
spondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1149, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 
1908, II. 

^" James Pinckney Henderson, b. North Carolina, 1808; d. Washington, 
D. C, 1858. He served as brigadier-general in the Texan army, 1836, was 
secretary of state, 1837-1839, diplomatic agent in England and France, 
1839-1840, was sent on a special annexation mission to the United States, 



302 Texas State Historical Association 

Mr. J. D. Miller) to Washington, and joining that circumstance 
to the movements in the Texian Congress and to the steady current 
of report, both in the United States and in Texas, that Negotiations 
are either on foot, or in contemplation upon the subject of annexa- 
tion. I shall consider it my duty to request the Government of 
Texas to furnish me with explanations of the real state of affairs 
in this particular, for transmission to Your Lordship. 

My health is still very weak, but I trust I shall be able to go 
to Galveston for a few days by the boat of the 18th instant. 
I should add that I am going under strong Medical advice as soon 
as possible, and proceed to to the Northward. 

I learn by a few private lines from Mr Jones of the 16th Feb- 
ruary, that up to the 6th January their Negotiations for a truce 
had gone on perfectly satisfactorily, indeed that every point but 
one was adjusted. 

But at that period the negotiations were suddenly suspended by 
command from Mexico, and forming my opinion from the date of 
this order, it seems probable that the interruption may have arisen 
from the nature of the Communications which the Mexican Govern- 
ment was then receiving from Washington on the Potomac. 

It was thought by the Texian Commissioners, and Government 
that the Negotiations would be renewed. 



Charles Elliot. 



To The Eight Honorable, 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN"*^ 

No. 9. Galveston March 27th. 1844. 

My Lord, 

I have just received from Mr Jones in a private way, a Copy 
of an Armistice^^ recently concluded between the Mexican and 
Texian Commissioners, and the Steam boat being upon the point 

1844. He became Governor of Texas, 1846, and was appointed to the 
United States Senate, 1857. (Appleton, Cyclop, of Amer. Biog.) 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 

'^This was the armistice signed February 15, 1844, by Hockley and 
Williams, the Texan negotiators, in which Texas was characterized as a 
Mexican Department. The government of Texas refused to ratify such an 
agreement. 



Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 303 

of starting for New Orleans, I have only the time to offer a very- 
few remarks upon the subject. 

It is not to be doubted, that these stringent conditions upon the 
part of Mexico are attributable to the alarm, and irritation excited 
in that quarter by the movements of the Government of the United 
States in relation to annexation, joined to the impression that the 
Agents of this Government at Washington upon the Potomac, were 
in the actual course of negotiation upon that subject. 

I offer this opinion without hesitation, because it consists with my 
knowledge that the terms agreed upon between the Mexican and 
Texian Commissioners before the intelligence of the movements 
at Washington could have reached Mexico were of a much easier 
and more practicable nature than these. I think it can be no 
source of surprise to Her Majesty's Government that later intelli- 
gence should have determined the Government of Mexico to pro- 
vide for it's own security, by taking care not to grant a truce of 
convenient duration for the deliberate conduct of negotiations at 
V/'ashington, having in view the Annexation of this Country to the 
Korth American Union. 

The single prospect that presents itself to my mind of a renewal 
of these negotiations between Mexico and Texas upon a hopeful 
"footing" is that this Government should at once desire it's Agents 
at Washington to signify to the Government there, that an Armis- 
tice had been concluded between this Republic and Mexico; and 
that the President felt it due to the honor of this Country, and 
just to all other parties concerned to put an end to ISTegotiations for 
Annexation to the United States of America, whilst Negotiations 
were going forward at Mexico, proposing a totally different settle- 
ment. And if this Government take that course, and proposes at the 
same time to the Government of Mexico to extend the Armistice 
to such a period as will be really necessary for the conduct of the 
Negotiations in that quarter, it seems possible that the Ministers 
of the Powers friendly to a safe and honorable adjustment of this 
dispute may be enabled to induce the Government of Mexico to 
grant more satisfactory terms of Armistice, than these now placed 
under Your Lordship's notice. 

Having no time to write a Separate despatch to Her Majesty's 
Minister a.t Washington by this opportunity, I have taken the 



304 Texas ^iate Historical Association 

liberty to enclose this dispatch to him, with a request that he will 
peruse, and forward it to Your Lordship. 

I remarked to the President and the Secretary of State last Au- 
tumn that it seemed to me the Schemes of the Government of the 
United States were shaped with the alternative project of settling 
this question in the way that pleaised them, or of unsettling any 
other arrangement, and I can detect no subsequent reason for think- 
ing that the impression I formed then, was erroneous. 

My health is still in a very precarious state, but I am remaining 
here for a few days in the hope that I shall have the pleasure of 
seeing the President or the Secretary of State at this place. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honorable, 

The Earl ©f Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Secret. Galveston. April 7th. 1844. 

My Lord, 

I have tlie honor to inclose Copies of a correspondence which 
I have recently had with this Government, and I take the same 
opportunity to report to Your Lordship the substance of a Con- 
versation that I have this day had with General Houston, taking 
the liberty to remark that he particularly requested me to consider 
it unofficial, and private. 

The period and nature of the first approach of the Government of 
the United States to that of Texas upon the subject of annexation 
are known to Your Lordship, as well as the manner in which it 
was met from this quarter. The Texian Agent at Washington con- 
tinued nevertheless to move the President to abandon the deter- 
mination not to entertain the matter whilst any uncertainty ex- 
isted as to the willingness of the Senate of the United States to 
ratify a treaty of annexation: 

But General Houston adhered steadfastly to his own policy, not- 
withstanding all the eagerness excited in Texas, both in Congress 
and amongst the people, by the movements of the Government of 
the United States, and I should add in spite of pressing private 

»'F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 305 

i]istances from persons of great weight in that Country, to whom 
he is warmly attached. 

At length, however, having reason to know that the two Houses 
of Congress had prepared and would carry resolutions, either unan- 
imously, or certainly by a Constitutional Majority, which would 
have deprived him of all further control of this business, he con- 
pidered that the safest course was to prevent that turn of affairs 
by a Secret Message,^* expressing his readiness to attempt to meet 
the wishes of the people, and for that purpose requesting an ap- 
propriation to dispatch a Special envoy to Washington to be charged 
with the proposed Negotiations. It may be observed here, that 
General Houston led me to imderstand that he had not committed 
himself to any personal opinion in favor of the contemplated ar- 
langement, in this Message. 

The result of this step was the passing of an Act or resolution 
involving the required appropriation, the other details of which 
General Houston did not feel himself at liberty to disclose, the 
Measure having been committeed to his further management under 
ihe Seal of Secrecy. 

In this stage of affairs Congress separated, and General Houston 
does not appear to have been in any haste to dispatch the Envoy, 
till he should ascertain the result of the Negotiations for the truce 
with Mexico. The consequence of the proceedings at Washington 
upon these Negotiations is already before Your Lordship; but 
it appears that about the time that the Government of Texas learnt 
that there was little to hope from that quarter, another very press- 
ing official representation from Mr Upshur was brought to the 
President by General Murphy, accompanied by General Hender- 
son, the Gentleman selected for the Mission to Washington 

This representation, of great length and urgency, (I use General 
Houston's language as nearly as my memory serves me) Containing 
argument, encouragement, solicitation, and indeed little short of 
Menace, was met upon his side by an exhibition of the uneasy 
condition into which the proposal of these Negotiations had al- 
ready cast the Country, and of the still more dangerous conse- 
quences which would ensue from the probable breaking up of 

'^Houston's secret message on annexation, Januarv 20, 1844. (Wooten, 
Texas, I, 425-426.) 



306 Texas State Historical Association 

their present hopes of arrangement, and present support, and the 
equally probable result of the failure of the Scheme of annexation 
in the Senate of the United States. 

In view of all these considerations he required from the Ameri- 
can Charge d' Affaires an ofScial letter t« the Secretary of State of 
Texas (beyond the letter of Mr Upshur) expressive of his consent 
upon the part of the Government of the United States, that they 
should Communicate in a formal written way to the Envoy of Texas, 
lefore any Negotiations were opened, their readiness to place at 
the disposal of the Grovernment of Texas, a Column of 1000 
infantry, and 600 or 700 heavy Cavalry, to be moved, whenever it 
might be considered necessary for the safety of this Country, to 
the Western border of Texas, further that a Naval force equal to 
that of Mexico should forthwith be stationed in the Gulph of 
Mexico, also to be at the disposal of this Government, and finally, 
that the Government of the United States should distinctly guaran- 
tee to Texas the aclmowledgment of it's Independence by Mexico, 
if the project of annexation failed of success. 

General Houston states that General Murphy did write the letter 
in question, and assures me that the Instructions to General Hen- 
derson are precise and imperative upon the refusal to open Negotia- 
tions till the required written guarantees of the Government of 
trie United States are duly furnished. 

I have now submitted to Your Lordship what I collected from 
General Houston's private conversation to be the present situation 
of these affairs, so far as this Government is concerned; and in 
reply to his observations on the difficulty of his position, I said that 
I could not doubt they would be appreciated by Her Majesty's 
GoAernment. 

But I could not refrain from remarking that I thought it would 
have been a wiser and more just policy upon the part of the Con- 
gress and people of Texas, to have adhered to their declarations of 
determination to maintain their Independence. Such a course 
would have reassured the Government of Mexico, and given in- 
creased force to the representations of the Powers engaged in in- 
ducing the settlement of this dispute upon that footing — Indeed, 
except for these proposals of annexation to the United States, and 
the readiness of Texas to meet them, it did not seem to me that 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 307 

there was much risk of any renewal of hostilities between the 
Contending parties. Mexico had invited negotiation and settle- 
ment; and as Texas seemed to be willing to make the sacrifice of 
it's Independence in one question, I could not [doubt] the Govern- 
ment of Texas would have found any serious difficulty in maintain- 
ing a state of truce (particularly with the assistance of friendly 
powers) but that state of truce should gradually ripen into a state 
of permanent peace. 

Speaking without express authority from Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment, I would nevertheless take the liberty to say that it seemed 
to me the honorable and the wise course upon the part of the 
Government of Texas to all parties concern.ed would be to instruct 
General Henderson forthwith to announce to the Government of 
tlie United States that an armistice had been concluded between 
Texas and Mexico, and that whilst Negotiations continued open 
in tliat quarter, there must be an end of all Negotiations not act- 
ually concluded at Washington, upon the express terms of General 
Henderson's Instructions 

Situated as he feels himself to be, General Houston would not 
take this step, but I think it highly possible that he has pressed 
upon General Henderson the necessity of precise adherence to his 
Instructions, neither do I imagine that he has ever entertained much 
confidence in the success of the Scheme of annexation, or cer- 
tainly any personal wish to postpone the Independence of the 
Country to such a solution. He said that if the project failed he 
trusted that the Governments of Her Majesty, and The King of 
the French would find means of preventing all further risk of com- 
plication in that direction, by forthwith accomplishing the Settle- 
ment of the question on the basis of the acknowledgment of Texas 
by Mexico. I remarked that what had lately passed was hardly 
calculated to strengthen the friendly purposes of those Govern- 
ments, or to inspire them with Confidence. 

General Houston appeared to attach much importance to General 
Murphy's letter, and to the stringent conditions General Henderson 
would insist upon, before Negotiations were opened. But I told 
him that I would not regard those considerations in the same point 
of view. It seemed plain to me, on the contrarv, that if the 
Government of the United States could carry through their pro- 



308 Texas State Historical Association 

ject, it would be upon their own terms, not upon conditions dic- 
tated by Texas. General Henderson would be told in an early stage 
of affairs that if he adhered to conditions which General Houston 
must ha\'e known that the Government of the United States could 
not act upon, the arrangement must fall to the ground, and the peo- 
ple of Texas would judge where the blame should be laid. As for 
General Murphy's letter of consent, it would be easy for the Gov- 
ernment of the United States to disavow that proceeding, and 
ujjon the whole I could not think that these precautions would 
serve any other purpose than to enahle the Government of the 
United States to get rid of the difficulty easily, and injuriously to 
General Houston, if they found they could not carry out their 
Scheme, If they could carry it, General Henderson would prob- 
ably be easily prevailed upon to sign the treaty upon their terms, 
and trust to the people of Texas for support. 

The detention of the Texian prisoners by Mexico, and the in- 
disposition to grant a truce of any considerable duration to Texas 
deprived this Government of sufficient strength to resist the recent 
influences from another quarter, and it may be that General Hou- 
ston adopted the only course left to him for the maintenance of 
any control over events. 

I shall take the liberty to forward this despatch under cover to 
Her Majesty's Minister at Washington for his perusal, as also a 
Copy to Mr Bankhead.^^ 
To the Eight Honorable, Charles Elliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO JONES^ 

[Enclosure] Galveston March 23d. 1844 

Copy. 

Charles Elliot. 

The Undersigned etc. etc. etc, has lately had the honor to 

'"British Minister at Mexico. Pakenham had been transferred from 
Mexico to Washington in 1843, and after an interval during which Doyle 
represented Great Britain, Bankhead was appointed, arriving in Mexico 
early in 1844. 

*F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. This and the two following letters are calendared 
in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, but as 
not all have been printed in easily available form, they are reprinted here. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 309 

acquaint Mr Jones that Her Majesty's Government was engaged 
in continued efforts to induce the Government of Mexico to ac- 
knowledge the Independence of Texas, and he has now the gratifica- 
tion to add that renewed communications have taken place between 
the Government of Her Majesty and that of The King of the 
French, and that His Majesty has expressed His concurrence in the 
purposes of The Queen, and has signified His Pleasure to command 
the French Minister at Mexico, to join his continued friendly as- 
sistance to that of Her Majesty's Eepresentative 

But adverting to the proposals of the Government of the United 
States respecting annexation, to the recent Mission of distinguished 
Citizens of Texas to Washington on the Potomac, and to the im- 
pression so general in Texas that Negotiations having that object 
in view are either in progress, or in contemplation, the Under- 
signed finds it his duty to express the hope that the Government 
cf Texas will furnish him with explanations on the subject for 
transmission to Her Majesty's Government. He is sure that they 
will be made in that spirit of frank and friendly unreseiwe which 
has always characterized the intercourse of the two Governments 

It must be unnecessary to say that the Undersigned is perfectly 
aware of the President's personal opinions upon this subject, and 
he has not failed, agreeably to the President's wish, to communicate 
tc Her Majesty's Government His Majesty's determination to 
sustain the Independence of this Kepublic, and His Excellency's 
confident hope that the people would uphold him in that course — 
Indeed referring to the Conferences which the Undersigned had 
the honor to have with the President and Mr Jones at Galveston 
during last Autumn, he can suppose that the Mission to Washing- 
ton of the Gentlemen in question, has been dictated by a wise desire 
to avoid any cause of offence or irritation to the Government of the 
United States, and to explain with frankness that the Government 
cf Texas could not entertain the subject at all, even if all other 
obstacles were removed, after the former rejection of such an 
arrangement by the Government of the United States, and wholly 
without reason to know that the Senate of the United States 
would ratify it now, or in future. 

The Congress of Texas, however, has met and separated since 
the date of the Communications to which the Undersigned has 



310 Texas State Historical Association 

referred, and the President will feel with force that it is is just 
and necessary in the present appearance of circumstances that there 
should be no room for the least uncertainty on the part of the 
Governments engaged on the behalf of Texas at Mexico; for it is 
not to be supposed that they could continue to press the Government 
of Mexico to settle upon one basis, whilst there was any reason to 
surmize that JSFegotiations were either in actual existence, or in 
contemplation, proposing a combination of a totally different nature. 
It is manifest on the other hand, that a distinct disavowal on the 
part of the Government of Texas of any intention to consent to 
such a Scheme either now, or prospectively, could not fail to 
strengthen the hands of the Ministers of Their Majesties The 
Queen, and The King of the French at Mexico. 

Confiding in the steadfastness of the people of Texas to the 
pledges in the fundamental acts of their National existence, Sev- 
eral of the Great Powers have acknowledged the Independence of 
this Republic, and entered into treaties with it. Whilst that con- 
fidence subsists, it may be depended upon that the Government 
of Her Majesty will never relax in their friendly efforts to induce 
the Government of Mexico to adjust on the policy so forcibly 
pressed upon the attention of Her Majesty's Government by the 
Government of Texas, not adopted without mature deliberation 
by Her Majesty's Government, and in their judgment equally nec- 
essary for the security of Mexico, and the strength and prosperity 
of Texas. 

Charles Elliot 
The Honorable Anson Jones. 

[Endorsed.] In closure No 1 in Captain Elliot's Secret Despatch 
to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston April 7 1844. 

JONES TO ELLIOT- 

[Enclosure] Department of State 

Copy. Washington 

Charles Elliot March. 25th. 1844. 

The Undersigned Secretary of State of The Eepublic of Texas 
has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Kote addressed 
h^"m on the 22d Instant by Captain Elliot H. B. Majesty's Charg6 

''F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 311 

d' Affaires, informing this Government that Her Majesty was en- 
gaged in continued efforts to induce the Government of Mexico to 
acknowledge the Independence of Texas, that renewed communica- 
tions have taken place between the Governments of Her Majesty 
and that of the King of the French, who had expressed His con- 
currence in the purposes of The Queen, and also requesting ex- 
planations on the subject of the r.ecent Mission of Citizens of 
I'exas to Washington on the Potomac, and the Negotiations sup- 
posed to be in progress between Texas and the United States in 
reference to annexation. 

The friendly interest which Her Majesty's Government have 
on this as well as many previous occasions expressed for the Wel- 
fare, prosperity, and Independence of Texas has been received by 
the President with the liveliest satisfaction, and it is due to that 
friendly interest that the request made by Her Majesty's Eepre- 
senlative should be answered with frankness and unreserve. 

Early in the present summer and just before the propositions 
for an armistice were received from General Santa Anna instruc- 
tions were given to our Ministers abroad to inform the friendly 
Powers whose good offices had been invoked in settling the difficul- 
ties between this Country and Mexico, that unless a satisfactory 
prospect of such a Settlement soon appeared, Texas would assume 
a new and entirely different attitude, and abandoning the hope of 
an adjustment of the existing War by their friendly aid, resort 
to other means for the accomplishment of this object. For a while 
the hope of the establishment of a satisfactory Armistice was en- 
tertained, during which time and while this hope appeared reason- 
able, this Government omitted any change in it's national policy. 
In this situation matters remained until the recent meeting of the 
Congress of the Nation, soon after which time it became very 
apparent the Government of Mexico were indisposed to any amica- 
ble settlement upon reasonable and admissible terms. The Texian 
Prisoners were detained in captivity, contrary to the pledges given 
by Santa Anna for their release, the friendly relations between 
Great Britain and Mexico were suddenly interrupted, by which our 
hopes from that quarter appeared to be disappointed, intelligence 
from our Commissioners beyond the Eio Grande engaged in con- 
ducting the terms of the Armistice was of a very unfavorable 



312 Texas State B.istorical Association 

character, and the people of this Country tired of uncertainty 
and delay naturally turned their attention to annexation, the door 
to which had just been unexpectedly opened, as the most certain 
remedy for existing evils. Under these circumstances, the Congress 
of the Nation met and adjourned. 

Their acts in relation to the subject have been committed to 
to the care of the President under the seal of secrecy. Whatever 
has been done, therefore, in relation to "this subject has been In 
obedience to the requirements of their acts. 

The Mission of General Henderson to the City of Washington 
is immediately concerned with this subject, and should the Govern- 
ment of the United States yield it's assent to the assurances which 
the Bepresentatives of this are required to ask of it, the Government 
of Texas will view the policy of annexation as the most proper one 
left it, under all existing circumstances, at the present time, to 
pursue. 

In the earnest hope that this statement and explanation may be 
entirely satisfactory to Her Majesty's Government, . . . 

Anson Jones. 
To Captain Charles Elliot, 

H. B. M. Charge d' Affaires. 
[Endorsed.] Inclosure No 2 in Captain Elliot's Secret Despatch 
to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston April 7th 1844. 

ELLIOT TO JONES^ 

[Enclosure] Galveston April 3d. 1844, 

Copy. 

Charles Elliot. 

The Undersigned etc, etc. etc, has had the honor to receive Mr 
Jones's note of the 25th Ultimo in reply to his own of the 22d idem, 
and he offers his acknowledgments for this statement of the situa- 
tion of circumstances which shall be transmitted to Her Majesty's 
Government without delay. 

In the mean time, however, he considers it right to remark 
that he does not believe Her Majesty's Government have formed 
the same opinion as this Government upon the indisposition of 
Mexico to any amicable settlement with Texas upon reasonable 

'F. O., Texas, VoL 9. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 313 

and admissible terms. Indeed he is disposed to think that Her Ma- 
jesty's Government had become more sanguine that a difEerent state 
of feeling was growing np in that quarter, and he considers any 
recent appearances to the contrary to [be due to] the indisposition 
of Mexico to the annexation of Texas to the United States. Thus 
impressed he believes that Mexico would have consented to terms of 
armistice more acceptable to this Government, if it had not been, 
thought prudent to avoid a truce of convenient duration for the 
conduct of Negotiations at another point, having in view a com- 
bination naturally so ill liked at Mexico, as the Annexation of 
Texas to the United States. 

He will merely further remark of the truce agreed upon between 
the Commissioners of Texas and Mexico, that if it had conformed 
with the policy of this Government to avail themselves of that 
opening, he entertains the opinion that it might have been improved 
into a convenient duration and form. 

Of the detention of the Texian prisoners in Mexico which has 
been noticed by Mr Jones as another proof of the indisposition of 
the Government of Mexico to amicable settlement, the Undersigned 
will freely admit, (speaking for himself) that he thinks the Gov- 
ernment of Mexico ought to have released those prisoners. But he 
is bound to confess, with equal frankness that he has reason to 
think the Mexican Government will be able to adduce motives for 
their conduct in this particular, which may account for it, without 
resorting to a general indisposition to adjust with Texas upon peace- 
ful and honorable terms, as the ground of the continued detention 
of these unhappy men. 

The temporary interruption of the Official intercourse between 
Her Majesty's Charge d'Aff aires at Mexico and that Government 
is noticed by Mr Jones as another event of a discouraging charac- 
ter. The Undersigned can only say upon that point that He is sure 
Her Majesty's Government would not have delayed to Communi- 
cate their apprehensions to the same effect to the Government of 
Texas if they had participated in them for a moment. 

Weighing all the circumstances of the case as carefully as he 
can^ the Undersigned will take the liberty here to express the 
beliefj that at no period of the interposition of Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment for the settlement of the dispute between Texas and Mex- 



314 Texas State Historical Association 

ico, could it ever have appeared to them that there were better 
founded hopes of an early and honorable adjustment than at the 
moment, when, as Mr Jones observes, the door to Annexation was 
unexpectedly opened to the people of this Country. The approach 
in that sense was most probably unexpected in Mexico too, for it 
came when there was a state of known truce between the parties, 
when Texian Commissioners respectfully received, were actually 
in the Mexican territory, and whilst JSTegotiations, first for an 
armistice, and then for a peace, were known to be in contemplation, 
and in point of fact in progress. 

The intimation of such a proposal to the Government of Texas 
by the Government of the United States would of course become 
known in Mexico about the same time, and made under the state of 
circumstances then existing it can hardly be a source of surprize 
that it produced the disturbing eifect which has followed. 

The Undersigned thinks he should not discharge his duty if he 
emitted to express the earnest hope that the Government and 
people of Texas will not make the incalculably hea\7^ sacrifice of 
their separate National existence under the impression that the 
prospect of amicable settlement with Mexico has passed away. He 
believes there is no good ground for such an impression, and he 
is also of opinion that it is still in the power of the Government 
of Texas to renew the Negotiations with Mexico upon a hopeful 
basis by reassuring that Government upon a point on which it is 
entitled to expect complete reassurance before friendly Negotia- 
tions with Texas are firmly set on foot. 

The Undersigned cajinot refrain from observing that there is 
no want of evidence in the press of the United States that very 
eminent and practised Statesmen in that Country are firmly op- 
posed to the annexation of Texas to that Union, either at all, or 
at least under any other condition than the consent of Mexico, 
}ieacefully obtained. Neither does it seem to be doubtful, judging 
from the same sources that these opinions are shared by a large 
part of the people of that Confederacy. The Undersigned trusts 
that his own sincere desire for the Independence and prosperity 
of Texas will be the excuse for alluding to these considerations, 
on which, however, he has no intention to dwell 

He will close this note with the renewed declaration of the 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 315 

desire of Her Majesty's Government to be helpful in the adjust- 
ment of this dispute npon terms of honor, justice, and advantage 
both to Texas, and to Mexico, and with the expression of the opin- 
ion of Her Majesty's Government, that the preservation of their 
Independence is the best security of the people of Texas for their 
ultimate prosperity, both political and commercial. 

The health of the Undersigned is still in a very broken con- 
dition (so much so that he writes with difficulty) but he will wait 
at New Orleans or in it's immediate neighbourhood as long as he 
safely can, and will be happy to receive any Communication which 
the Government of Texas may do him the honor to forward to him 
through the channel he has already indicated to Mr Jones. 

The Honorable Anson Jones. ^^^^^^' ^^^^°*- 

[Eidorsed.] Inclosure Xo 3 in Captain Elliot's Secret Despatch to 
the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston April 7th 1844. 

LUSIGNAN TO ABERDEEN^ 

Cambrian House. 
Ryde, Isle of Wight 
Monseigneur. 12 Avril. 44 

Je vous prie d'excuser la liberte que je prends de vous ecrire 
sans vous avoir prealablement ete presente mais je ne connais 
personne, et d' ailleurs j' ai trop entendu parler de votre bonte, 
pour craindre de vous offenser. 

J' ai longtemps vecu parmi les tributs Sauvages du Texas, et 
principalement parmi les Comanches et les Wakoes. Je les ai laisses 
aves 1' intention de venir en Angleterre eveiller 1' attention d' un 
public genereux, et s' il etait possible d' obtenir que votre Gouvern- 
ement exigeat au nom de 1' humanite, plus de justice de la part 
des Texiens, envers cette noble race d' hommes qui disparait tons 
les jours sous le Bowie Knife et la misere. 

Lorsque je laissai les Wigwamps des Prairies, j' etais aussi ignorant 
que les bons Indiens de la difficulte d' obtenir un acces aupres du 
grand Monde de Londres : je promis aux chefs des nation alliees de 
faire des propositions au Gouvernement Anglais et d' implorer La 
protection. Je vins a Londres oil je ne tardai pas a decouvrir que 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 11. 



316 Texas State Historical Association 

les chosGs se faisaient differemment, alors je souris de ma simplicite, 
et me preparai a retourner aiis grandes Prairies. 

Une chose, neanmoins m' inspire le courage de vous ecrire Mon- 
seigneur; je ne veux pas me reprocher de n'" avoir point ose' faire 
une tentative pour Soulager ces Indiens si bons, et si superieurs 
au peuple demoralise, qui les opprime actuellement 

Je vois dans les journeaux que Mr Tyler machine en ce moment 
1' union du Texas aux provinces du Sud des Etats-Unis. Tin tel 
evenement a etc prevu par les Indiens qui sont resolus dans cette 
circonstance a en venir a une guerre d' extermination. lis out 
forme une ligne formidable, comptant plus de quatrevingt mille 
g-aerriers, et comprenant toutes les nations sur les frontieres de la 
civilisation, depuis les Dahcotahs (Sioux) du Mississipi, Jusqu' 
aux Pawnees et aux Comanches du Eio Colorado. 

Je ne sais pas jusqu' a quel point une reaction si terrible pourrait 
etre desirable pour le bien etre de 1' humanite, mais dans tons les 
cas, f ose Monseigneur, vous adresser une demande: "si le Texas 
est annexe aux Etats-TJnis, et si les Indiens de 1' Quest du Mississipi 
se Icvent en masse dans le but d' une guerre d' extermination, leur 
serait-il permis par le Grouvernement Anglais de traverser les fron- 
tieres des hautes provinces du Canada, pour s' y procurer de la 
poudre et des armes, et s' y refugier momentanement en cas d' une 
defaite dans le territoire de 1' loway. 

Je suis jeune, Monseigneur, mais j' ai la Confiance des ISTations 
Indiennes, et si je puis leur donner une reponse affirmative au 
sujet de la question que je viens de vous soumettre, jamais le 
Gouvernement de "Washington ne possedera, de facto un pouce 
de terrein, au dela dela Piviere Sabine. 

Thaddeus di Lusignan. 
A Son Excellence, The Earl of Aberdeen. London. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 4. British Consulate. 

My Lord. Galveston April 18th 1844. 

I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship Copy of a Com- 
munication which I have this day addressed to Captain Elliot, E. N, 
Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires to this Eepublic, (at present in the 

"T. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 317 

United States) respecting the expediency of obtaining early Official 
Information, as to any Measures, contemplated, or enacted by the 
Legislature of Texas, have reference to the Commercial and Mari- 
time interests of Great Britain. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ™^^i^^ Kennedy. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

[Enclosure] British Consulate 

Copy Galveston, April 18th, 1844 

Sir, 

I beg leave to request that you will endeavour to obtain for me, 
from the Seat of Government in this Eepublic, a copy of the laws 
passed during the last Session of Congress, in order that I may 
report to the proper quarter all enactments of consequence to our 
Commercial and maritime interests. 

With a view to the public advantage, I would respectfully suggest 
tJiat, on occasion of the absence from this Country of Her Majes- 
ty's Charge d' Affaires, during the Legislative Session, it might be 
expedient to have a proper person, duly authorized, to watch over 
the proceedings, to note whatever Measures promised to prove 
prejudicial, or otherwise, to British Interests, and seasonably to 
advise the resident Consul, or Consuls, of the passage of any act 
that might effect the trade of the Current year. 

Congress usually closes its deliberations about the first week 
of February, and, for lack of some arrangement by which an early 
and accurate knowledge of the laws may be secured. Shipments 
may be made from England to Texas under the faith of one Tariff, 
and arrive just in time to be taxed inopportunely, under the pro- 
visions of another. William Kennedy. 

LUSIGNAN TO ADDINGTON* 

Cambrian House. 

Eyde, Isle of Wight. 

Sir, , May 6th. 1844. 

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of Your letter of the 4th It.^ 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 
^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 11. 
'Not found. 



318 Texas State Historical Association 

I will remain in England, till I hear something positive respecting 
the intentions of Prest. Tyler towards Texas. 

I humbly hope His Lordship did not think that my address was 
actuated by any Motive of unbecoming curiosity. — In fact, I have 
lived among the Indians, I feel as they do, — and that feeling is 
bitter hatred against the dishonest population which is daily in- 
truding into the very heart of our hunting grounds. 

If in the course of events the Foreign Office should require an 
exact Statistic of the hostile Indian population upon the borders 
of the States, from the Mouth of the Sabine river to the great 
Dahcotahs tribes, I could furnish one quite correct, togther with 
an insight of the underhand policy of the Mormons with the loway 
tribes 

The combined Indian Nations, could they but receive powder and 
flints from the Canadian Military Posts, would soon Master the 
Country "West of the Mississipi. They can appreciate to its real 
value the boasted power of the United States. They have Wit- 
nessed the Black Hawk expedition (1832) and also the Florida 
War. They are not to be imposed upon by the Indian Agents, 
In fact they are now aware of their own strength. 

Moreover, with the cunning of their wild Nature, they have 
discovered the difficulties both political and " financieres" under 
which the States are actually labouring. 

I see in the News papers, that a Mr Anderson is coming over to 
England to treat of the Annexation business. — If he is the same 
Genl Anderson living in San Agostino near the Sabine, and a 
Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives, a man vrith red hair, I 
v,"ould pray You Sir, to submit to His Lordship the following 
request. 

T' is That during Mr Anderson's transactions at the Foreign 
Office, not the least hint should be given to him, by which he could 
suspect that I am in Europe. All these who, in Texas may wish 
to watch my conduct believed me gone to California, and Mr 
Anderson knows enough of Indian dealing, not to perceive at once 
that the Texian "Big heads" have been deceived upon my Move- 
ments, ever since 1842. Knowing which, he would send infor- 
mation at home, and many poor fellows, entirely devoted to me, 
would soon taste "of the Bowie Knife." 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 319 

The immediate Neighbourhood of Genl Anderson's dwelling is 
inhabited by halfbreeds and old Mexican hunters — these, un- 
suspected, furnish me with all kinds of information. Were they 
to suffer through my means, I would feel it deeply. 

During the interviews which the General may obtain at the 
Foreign Office, His Lordship will perhaps require some accurate 
information as to the truth of the Statements made by the Texian 
Envoi. This I am ready to furnish faithfully and correctly, — for 
I am but too well acquainted with all the Secretaries, leaders, and 
hoc genus omne of Texas. 

One thing I will beg from the Foreign Office ; in the event of the 
Annexation I have mentioned, the office will know it a long time 
before the fact is made public. — Could I hope to receive hint, as 
early as possible, so that I could hasten home and begin operations 
immediately 

You will I hope. Sir, excuse my bad English and still worse 
phraseology, together with my ignorance of forms in addressing 
myself to "Superiors," my only excuse is that among the red men of 
the Wilderness, I had but little opportunity to become "au Fait" 

-rr XT . T T i T-i Thaddeus di Lusignan. 

H. TJ. Addmgton, Esqr. ^ 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 7. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston, May 8th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

As Captain Elliot is, I am instructed to believe, at present in the 
United States, and has merely left general directions to forward 
bis despatches to the care of Her Majesty's Consul at New Orleans, 
I beg to enclose to Your Lordship Copy of a Communication which 
I have addressed to him. — I have likewise deemed it best, under all 
the circumstances, to transmit a Copy to Her Majesty's Minister at 
Washington, in the United States. 

I also beg to enclose to Your Lordship Copies of two official 
letters to Captain Elliot, severally dated 5th and 7th June 1843,'^ 
explanatory of an allusion to the character and object of General 
Murphy's Mission to this T?epublie, contained in Enclosure N"o. 1. 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

'See The Quaeteely, XVI, 316-318. 



3?0 Texas State Historical Association 

On the 5th of January last, I addressed a despatch to Your Lord- 
ship (No 1 of this years series) enclosing Copy of a letter to Cap- 
tain Elliot (then in the United States) dated January 2d., in 
wJjieh I apprized that gentleman of the fact that parties recently 
ari'ived from the Seat of Government in this Country, entertained 
the impression that a Eesolution for the Annexation of Texas to 
the United States, which had been advanced some Stages by Con- 
gress, would pass the Legislature. I avail myself of the occasion 
to state that the Spirit of the Eesolution referred to was carried out, 
and with speed that might well be termed precipitate, by the as- 
sembled representatives of the Eepublic, ] enclose copy of a letter® 
from these representatives to Members of the United States Con- 
gr€S3_, published in the American Newspapers, of whose authenticity 
I have no doubt, containing an unofficial overture for Annexation. 
— This letter it will be seen, is dated January 2d of the present 
year. 

The Capacity and experience of General Andrew Jackson, for- 
merly President of the United States, his unquestioned patriotism, 
and the force of his character give weight to his opinions abroad, 
as well as at home. On the territorial importance of Texas, he is 
entitled to speak with the authority of a Man to whom the Subject 
is familiar. There is historical evidence to show that he was no 
stranger to the operations for Western aggrandizement which pre- 
ceded the acquisition of Louisiana by the United States, were sub- 
sequently revived, and suspended for some years, in consequence 
of the alarm produced by what has been called "the Conspiracy" 
of Colonel Burr, I have heard, and I believe truly, that General 
Jackson, has used all the influence he possesses with the President 
of this Eepublic, as his old political and Military leader to induce 
him to aid in accomplishing the Annexation of Texas to the Union. 
— I take leave, therefore, to enclose extracts from the public prints, 
indicative of General Jackson's sentiments on the question of An- 
nexation, even at the risk of submitting to Your Lordship Matter 
already comm.unicated from superior Sources, to whose functions 
tlie transmission of intelligence purely political, and the comments 
that naturally spring from it, are exactly and altogether germane. 

*A declaration passed by Congress, affirming that Texas earnestly de- 
sired annexation. The members of Congress Avere tor the moment suspi- 
cious of Houston's diplomacy. (Smith, The Atmexation of Texas, 161.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 331 

Tf I might be permitted to volunteer an observation, respecting 
General Jackson's estimate of the territorial worth of Texas, I 
would respectfully remark that he has by no means, overrated 
tJie value of the Country in a Military point of view. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ELLTOT'' 

[Enclosure.] Her Majesty's Consulate 

Copy. Galveston, May 6th. 1844. 

Sir, 

The United States', Cutter "Vigilant," arrived at this Port on 
the evening of the 25th Ultimo, conveying, as the bearer of des- 
patches requiring quick transmission, a son of General Murphy, 
Charge d' Affaires of the United States to this Eepublic. 

I have been assured, from a quarter in which I place reliance, 
that the "Vigilant" has brought official communication of an 
arrangement entered into by the Government of the United States 
and that of Texas, by which the former Stipulates to provide a 
frontier force, and to station Vessels of War in the Gulf of 
]\I(.'xico, for the protection of Texas during the progress of Nego- 
tiations and Measures preliminary to it's contemplated Annexa- 
tion to the Federal Union. 

I have been farther assured that, as a sequel to the preceding 
arrangement, the intention to send Commissioners to the Mexican 
Capital, to treat for a pacification, — understood to have been en- 
tertained by the Texan Executive has been relinquished. I have 
also been assured that a formal Notification had been transmitted 
by the Government of the United States to the Government of 
Mexico, signifying the determination of the former to repel, by 
active agency, and hostile interference, on the part of the latter, with 
1'exas and it's inhabitants, during the time appropriated to the 
Negotiations and Measures previously mentioned. 

The party from whom I have derived these assurances is the same 
who, on the 5th of June last year, furnished me with a Eeport in- 
dicating the special character and object of General Murphy's 
Mission to this Eepublic, the details of which Eeport I took instant 

"F. 0.,, Texas, Vol. 10. 



322 Texas State Historical Association 

occasion to impart to you, officially, and the substantial faithfulness 
of which subsequent events have but too clearly established. 

The general accuracy of the information now supplied to me is 
fully borne out by Statements of fact in the local Newspapers, 
whether advocates, or opponents of the Executive. 

I am apprized, likewise, of the corroborative fact that a Con- 
centration of United States' Troops, has been ordered to be made 
at Fort Jessup, which on reference to the Map, will be seen to be 
only some twenty or thirty Miles distant from the Sabine Eiver, 
that forms part of the North Eastern Boundary line between this 
Country and the United States. My informant — in whose fidelit}^, 
judgment and discretion I repose the utmost confidence — states 
that he has learned — "from a source the most authentic" — that 
two Regiments of Infantry has been ordered to Fort Jessup. 

The Americans of Galveston, with but few exceptions, are much 
elated by the anticipated introduction of Texas into the Circle of 
Confederated States. So strong is their faith in ''Annexation" 
that lists are going round for Signature, in support of the Claims 
of Candidates for office under the Federal Government, Names 
have been subscribed to two Memorials recommendatory of parties 
for the Office of Collector of Customs at Galveston, under the 
impression that the expected change is at hand. 

By all the European residents who form a considerable proportion 
of the inhabitants of this place, — the Annexation of Texas to the 
United States is, I believe, regarded with extreme aversion. If a 
contrary Sentiment be entertained by any, it is only by the grossly 
ignorant, or by those, whose character and condition render them 
indifferent to the future. — The better class of British, and the 
more stable of the Mercantile Community are disquieted by appre- 
hensions as to the future, and speculated uneasily on the Silence 
hitherto maintained by those Powers of Europe who recognized 
the Republic of Texas, and concluded Treaties with her in the capa- 
city of an independent State. 

Captain Elliot. R. N. William Kennedy. 

Her Britannick Majesty's Charge d' Affaires. To Texas. 

Care of Her Majesty's Consul, at New Orleans. 

P. S. May 7th. 

The United States' War, Steamer "Poinsett" arrived at this 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 323 

port to day, from Pensacola, and will, it is said, leave tomorrow, 
w:tb despatches for Vera Cruz. 

W. K. 
May 10th. 

The United States Frigate "Potomac," arrived off Galveston to- 
day, and sent in her launch. 

[Endorsed.] Enclosure jSTo 1. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch 
No 7, dated 8th May. 1844. 

ELLIOT TO ABErxDEEK-^" 

No. 11.^^ New Orleans May 10th. 1S84. 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's 
despatches to No. 8 inclusive. 

The details of the proposed treaty of Annexation between Texas 
and the United States are now known to Her Majesty's Government, 
and Your Lordship will no doubt be fully informed as to the 
probability or otherwise of it's ratification. After the 1st Instant 
however, failing the arrival of Texian Commissioners in the City 
of Mexico, that Government is in a situation to renew hostilities, 
and it seems possible that early steps will be taken to move forces, 
at least up to those limits, which never formed part of Texas by an 
territorial division, except the Act of the Texian Congress. It is 
noticeable that it was proposed in the Congress of Texas, in their 
early proceedings, to extend their Western frontier to the Pacific. 

Their present limits in that direction are no doubt a moderate 
raodification of those wider pretensions, but it does not appear that 
there is a better title to the line of the Eio Grande carried up to 
the 42d degree of latitude, than there would have been to the line 
of the Pacific. 

At all events by this treaty the Government of the United States 
has formally taken over from the Texian Plenipotentiaries, the 
whole Country described to be Texas by the Texian boundary Act; 
that is, a region of vast extent involving an immense part of New 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 

"Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 10, 1844, has not been found. As there is no 
reference elsewhere to such a Number, it is possible that Elliot by error 
counted his despatch "Secret" of April 7, as No. 10. 



324 Teocas State Historical Association 

Mexico (it's Capital inclusive) as well as considerable portions of 
Chichuaha, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas. Within the greater part of 
Avhich territory no Texian Citizen has ever yet been for any purpose 
of settlement. 

Mr Tyler, indeed, in his late Message states that the question 
of limits is open for discussion with Mexico. But the treaty itself 
is silent upon that point, and therefore if it should be ratified 
and lead either to a struggle or Negotiations with Mexico, the 
United States would be setting out from these territorial preten- 
sions of Texas. The Government of the United States appears to be 
under some impression that there will be a movement of Mexican 
forces within the limits of the territory which it is the purpose 
of this treaty to make part of the domain of the United States, for 
they have lately strengthened the American force at Fort Jessup 
on the Texian frontier, and it is also said that a Squadron is 
shnitly to rendevouz in the Gulf of Mexico. It does not appear to be 
likely that the treaty will be ratified at present, and I remain of the 
opinion that it is still in the power of the Government of Mexico 
to put an eft'ectual end to this long foreseen complication, or to any 
possibility of it's renewal. But if the policy so often pressed upon 
Mexico by Her Majesty's Government and other friendly powers, 
should continue to be rejected, there can be little doubt that these 
difficulties will soon present themselves again. For whilst there is 
reason to think that the powerful part of the democratic party in 
the United States, moved by various motives, will join their politi- 
cal opponents in resisting the present treaty, it seems equally prob- 
able that they will at some more convenient moment renew the 
attempt to secure all that portion of the territory, which it is 
declared formed part of the Louisiana domain, before the treaty 
with Spain of 1819, with the consent of Mexico, if it can be pur- 
chased, without it, if it is refused. It may, I think, be depended 
ujjon, that if Mexico can be induced to acknowledge the Indepen- 
dence of Texas, the Government and people would reject any re- 
newed overtures for annexation to the Xorth American Union. 
Their recent consent has been less the result of a desire to form 
part of that Union, than of a belief that the agitation of such 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 335 

a project would dispose the Government of Mexico to acknowledge 
their Independence. Charles Elliot. 

To The Eight Honorable, 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^" 

;^i-o. 13. New Orleans May 30th 1844. 

My Lord, 

I have had the honor to receiA^e Your Lordship's despatches to 
No. 10. inclusive. 

With the expression of my thanks for the leave of absence I had 
requested, I have to report that I shall proceed in the course of 
a fevv days to the Springs in the Mountains of Virginia, and I 
would take the liberty to suggest that Communications addressed to 
the care of Her Majesty's Consul at Boston would reach me in 
four or five days after their arrival at that place. By the way of 
the river I could repair to New Orleans, and thence to Texas, in 
tne course of a very short time, and I shall be ready to do so if 
your Lordship shall deem it necessary to forward me instructions 
to that effect. 

I have desired Mr Kennedy to forward any informations to Her 
Majesty's Government, during my absence, which he may judge to 
be of interest, — But in view of the state of affairs I have considered 
it right to direct him not to enter into any Correspondence with 
the Government of Texas respecting their political relations with 
the Governments of Her Majesty, or of the United States, or of 
Mexico, and to confine himself strictly to an unobtrusive and 
prudent discharge of his Consular duties. 

I have sealed up the Archives, and placed them in the custody 
of Her Majesty's Consul at this place, and they are deposited in 
a fire proof vault. There seems to be a general impression in this 
part of the United States that there is no prospect of carrying a 
Measure of annexation, at least during the present Administration. 

The Right Honorable, Charles Elliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
Downing Street 

^=r. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 



336 Texas State Historical Association 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No 9. Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston May 27tli 1844. 
My Lord,. 

T have the honor to transmit herewith Copy of two Communica- 
tions addressed by Me to Captain Elliot, — one having reference to 
the hoisting of the National Flag at Galveston — the other advert- 
ing to the character of the instructions furnished for the discharge 
of my duties during the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' 
Aifaires. 

I would respectfully request Your Lordship's Consideration of 
the question embraced in Enclosure No. 2. 

In the Copy with which I have been honored of Your Lordship's 
letter to Mr John Macdougall, dated the 18th Ultimo, it is stated 
that Captain Elliot is "Compelled, from ill health, to return to 
Europe, on leave of absence" 

It appears from Captain Elliot's letter to Me, dated New 
Orleans, May 20th (twentieth) that he contemplated proceeding to 
— "Some Northern part of the United States, for the restoration 
of" (his) "health," — he having — "by the last Mail received per- 
mission" to do so. 

ITnder the presumption that Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires 
will still be found in the United States, I have forwarded the 
originals of the two enclosures, to the care of Her Majesty's 
Consul at New Orleans. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^* 

[Enclosure.] Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate 

Copy. Galveston May 25th 1844. 

Sir, 

On the occasion of your absence at Havanah, in the Month of 
May last year, not having been favoured with instructions of any 
kind by you, I followed the example of the local Authorities and 
the Consuls of foreign Nations, and hoisted a flag at the Consular 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 
"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 327 

Office, on the Morning of the 24th of that Month, in honor of our 
Gracious Sovereign's hirth-day. 

After your return to Galveston, in reply to a Communication 
which I addressed to you, on the subject, you directed me, by 
letter, dated 17th June — "jSTever to display the National Flag at 
all, except in the case of an approach of a force hostile to the 
Eepublic/' — Whatever my opinions touching the matter might 
have been, I deemed it my duty to yield implicit obedience to the 
order, and immediately copied your letter, for future guidance, 
into the Consular records 

It having been the custom for the Consuls of other Nations 
represented here to hoist their flags on all special occasions, the 
omission on my part to do so became, from time to time, a theme 
of animadversion, especially among the residents of American birth, 
the Consuls of whose Nation are furnished with a Flag, as part 
of their Official outfit, and are instructed to "hoist it every day, 
in front of the Consular office unless in boisterous, or rainy 
weather" 

On the death of Judge Eve, late Minister of the United States 
to Texas, the flag of Texas and the flags of Bremen, France, and 
the United States were hoisted half mast high, at the respective 
Consular offices, and I did not escape censure for omitting what 
the fellow-Countrymen of the deceased Minister were accustomed 
to consider a becoming and usual indication of respect. — My in- 
structions, however, left no doubt as to the course to be pursued 
by me, and I have continued to abide strictly by your order. 

In a letter which I received from you on the 15th of December 
last, on the eve of your departure for New Orleans, you reminded 
me of your "desire that the National Colours should not be dis- 
played at (my) residence or office." My reply to this letter, writ- 
ten on the same day contained the following words : — "While each 
particular of your directions shall command my most careful at- 
tention, I would respectfully observe that I duly recorded for my 
official guidance the instructions with Avhich you favoured me in 
a letter dated June 17th 1843." 

Some eight or ten days previous to the 24th of this Month, 
I was waited upon by the Mayor of Galveston, and the United 
States Consul at this Port, who, in friendly terms, inquired 



328 Texas State Historical Association 

whether I intended to hoist a Flag on Her Majesty's Birth-day, 
as they were desirous to unite in demonstrations of respect foi 
the day. — I told these gentlemen — as in your letter of June 17th 
you directed me to do, whenever the question should be raised — 
that you — "disapproved of the practice, because it is not usual for 
Consuls in Civilized Countries to hoist their National Flags" — 
Conceiving it possible that inferences not Complimentary to the 
parties whose object was to honour a day dear to every loyal Subject 
of the Crown, might be drawn from the bare citation of the pre- 
scribed reply, I took the liberty of adding such expressions as ap- 
peared to m.e calculated to obviate such an effect. 

It not [now?] only remains for me to state that, on Yesterday, 
being the Anniversary day of Her Majesty's birth, no Consular, 
or other National Flag, was hoisted in the town of Galveston, — ■ 
the external Celebration of the happy occasion having been con- 
fined to the British Merchant Vessels at present in Port. 

n J- • ii^n- X T> TVT William Kennedy. 

Captain Elliot, E. N. 

Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires. 

[Endorsed.] Enclosure. No 1. In Mr. Consul Kennedy's despatch 
No 9, dated May 27th. 1844. 

KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^ ^' 

[Enclosure]. Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate 

Copy. Galveston May 27th. 1844. 

Sir, 

I beg to acknowledge your letter of the 20th Instant, in reply 
to mine of the 6th in which after stating that you have — "by the 
last Mail, received permission to proceed to some Northern part of 
the United States, for the restoration of" (your) "health."— 
You direct me, during your absence, to forward any information 
to Her Majesty's Government which I may "Consider of interest" 
— while I am carefully to abstain from — "entering into any cor- 
respondence with the Government of Texas, upon the subject of 
their political relations with the Governments of Her Majesty, or 
of the United States, or of Mexico" — and — "in view of the actual 
state of affairs" — you are pleased to add — "you cannot too par- 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 329 

ticailarly press upon" (my) "attention. the necessity of confining" 
(myself) "strictly to an unobtnisive and prudent performance 
of (my) "duties as Consul at Galveston." 

It would seem, from the exceptional character of a portion of 
the preceding instructions, that, during your contemplated absence, 
I should be warranted in corresponding with the Government of 
Texas upon Subordinate jMatters; such, for instance, as questions 
involving the interests of British Subjects, that might arise within 
my Consular limits, and, in regard to which— from want of 
proper redress being afforded by the local Authorities, or from 
any other cause,— I might think that a representation should be 
made to the Supreme Government of Texas. 

In reference to all cases of this description, I have hitherto held 
it to be my duty to make my representation to you, as Her Maj- 
esty's Charge d' Affaires, that you might take such steps therein 
as "you might deem expedient, in accordance with the instructions 
which you might have received from Her Majesty's Government. 
But now — with your intimation of an undefined term of absence 
before me— unadvised of your wish to continue official Communi- 
cation with me during that absence,— unacquainted with your in- 
tended place of Sojourn— undirected, save by the passages of your 
letter wliich I have taken leave to quote — I am constrained to say 
that, should any cas(!S of the class alluded to arise, I shall be 
perplexed as to the course to be adopted, wishing on the one hand, 
so to discharge my duties as to escape the reproach of obtrusive- 
ness, and most reluctant, on the other, to see the interests of my 
Countrymen suffer for lack of seasonable representation in the 
proper quarter. 

It is my immediate impression that it would not be prudent for 
me to take any steps for which I have not the clearly expressed 
sanction of Her Majesty's Government, or of Her Majesty's Charge 
d' Affaires, and in the various official Communications with which 
I have been honored as Her Majesty's Consul at Galveston, I am 
unable to discover any directions exactly applicable to the antici- 
pated contingency. 

Under the circumstances herein mentioned, should any incon- 
venience, or detriment, be occasioned to the public service, or to 
individual interests, it would appear to be no more than equitable 



330 Texas State Historical Association 

that the measure of m}'- responsibility be in strict proportion to 
the extent of my delegated powers. 

In a Communication dated the ISth Ultimo, I requested you to 
endeavor to obtain for me a Copy of the Laws passed during the 
last Session of the Texan Congress, in order that I might be 
enabled to "report to the proper quarter all enactments of conse- 
quence to our Commerce and Maritime interests" — Not having 
been favoured with a reply, and unwilling to make a direct applica- 
tion to the Seat of Government for a duly Certified copy of the 
Laws in question, I propo,?e to avail myself of a Copy of the Acts, 
as recently published for general use, — it being desirable that 
Legislative changes, of the kind referred to, should be reported 
as early as possible 

William Kennedy. 
Captain Elliot, E. N. 

Her Majesty's Cliarge d' Affaires. 
[Endorsed.] Enclosure No 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch 
No 9, dated May 27th. 1844. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 10. Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston May 29th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor, to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's 
despatch Marked No 1, of this year's series, apprizing me of the 
appointment of Mr John Macdougall as provisional British Vice 
Consul at Gialvestoti. and directing me to convey to that Gentleman 
a letter containing the offer of that appointment, of which letter 
Your Lordship has been pleased to transmit a copy to myself. 

I beg to enclose a copy of a Communication which I forwarded 
to Mr Macdougall, with the letter from Your Lordship tendering 
to him the appointment of provisional Vice Consul, together with a 
copy of Mr Macdougall's reply to the same.^^ From the tone of 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

"These letters not transcribed. Macdougall had been recommended by- 
Elliot for the vice-eonsulship, and appointed by Aberdeen. Kennedy 
strongly opposed him and accused him of interfering to aid the British 
slave-traders in Texas, whom Kennedy sought to bring to punishment. 
Kennedy finally succeeded in preventing Macdougall's acting as vice- 
consul. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 331 

that reply, I must confess my inability to hope from its writer 
amicable cooperation in the public service. 

Had my instructions in reference to the matter, permitted any 
exercise of discretion on my part, I would have deemed it my 
duty to have held over the Communication to Mr Macdougall until 
I had put Your Lordship in possession of facts to which I owe 
it to the service still to invite attention. 

The Sixth Section of the General Provisions of the Constitution 
of Texas contains these words : 

"All free White persons who shall emigrate to this Republic, 
and who shall, after a residence of six Months, make oath before 
some competent Authority^ that they intend to reside permanently 
in the same, and shall swear to support this Constitution, and 
that they will bear true allegiance to the Eepublic of Texas, shall 
be entitled to all the privileges of Citizenship." 

The Ninth Section of the General Provisions contains the follow- 
ing words : 

"All persons of Colour who were Slaves for life previous to 
their emigration to Texas, and who are now held in bondage, 
shall remain in the like state of servitude — Provided the said 
Slaves shall be the lona fide property of the persons so holding 
said Slaves as aforesaid. Congress shall pass no laws to prohibit 
emigrants from bringing their Slaves into the Eepublic with them, 
and holding them by the same tenure by which such Slaves were 
held in the United States. For shall Congress have power to 
emancipate Slaves : Nor shall any Slaveholder be allowed to eman- 
cipate his, or her. Slave, or Slaves, without the Consent of Congress, 
unless he, or she, shall send his, or her. Slave, or Slaves, without 
the limits of the Republic. ISTo free person of African descent, 
either in whole or in part, shall be permitted to reside permanently 
in the Republic without the Consent of Congress" 

By the laws of Texas, a Slave, or free person of Colour, Convicted 
of maiming a free White person, incurs the penalty of death, and 
the immigration of free persons of Colour into the Republic is 
prohibited, under penalties extending to the forfeiture of freedom. 

An Act of the Texan Congress sets forth that — 

It shall not be lawful for any Master of a Vessel, or owner there- 
of, nor for any other person, or persons, whomsoever, to bring, 



332 Texas State Ilistoricat Association 

import, induce, or aid and assist in the bringing, importing, or 
inducing any free person of Colour within the limits of Texas, 
directly or indirectly. — And any person so offending shall be 
deemed to be guilty of a Misdemeanour, and, on Conviction, shall 
be fined in a sum of not less than one thousand, nor more than 
ten thousand dollars. 

The Constitution from which I have extracted the previously 
cited provisions, and the Laws enacted under that Constitution, 
Mr John Macdougall has solemnly bound himself to support, by 
assuming tlie obligations of Citizenship 

Mr Macdougall has voted for public officers, and has served as 
a Juror at Galveston, — the law declaring that "No person who is 
not a Citizen of the Republic of Texas, shall be capable to serve 
on a Jury, for the trial of any Cause, Civil, or Criminal." — He is 
liable to be called upon to join in a Verdict in any Slave Case. 
He may be summoned to assist in the apprehension of runaway 
Slaves. He may be required to aid in bringing a British Ship- 
master under the operation of the law prohibiting the introduction 
of free persons of Colour, within the limits of the Republic. — 
Burthened with the obligations of his new Allegiance, can Mr 
Macdougall be free to fulfil the duties of an Agent representing, 
however remotely and reflectivelj^, the wishes and Convictions of 
Her Majesty's Government. 

Previous to his acceptance of the Office appointment, I thought 
it but fair to Mr Macdougall — knowing that he has been in the 
habit of having domestic Slaves, to apprize him that Her Majesty's 
Government (as appears by Slave Trade Correspondence presented 
to Parliament by Her Majesty's Command) has pronounced it un- 
fitting for any Officer, with an Appointment under the British 
Crown, directly, or indirectly, to hold, or be interested in Slave 
property, or to employ hired Slaves. It was surely more consistent 
with order and equity to make this Communication to him before, 
than after, acceptance of the Appointment 

I am inclined to think that if Mr Maedougall's convenient no- 
tions of Allegiance were known to the Government of Texas, he 
would hardly receive the sanction necessary to enable him to act as 
the Agent of a Foreign power. — 

When I was occupied with the Slave trading transactions of 



Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 333 

Messrs. Franklancl Jones & Co./^ Mr. Macdoiigall was forward in 
obtruding the opinion that I ought not to report those very flagi-ant 
transactions to Her Majesty's Government, intimating, among 
other reasons of equal weight, that Her Majesty's present advisers 
were not earnestly determined to use their endeavours for the 
Suppression of Slavery. 

In conclusion, I would beg respectfully to submit to Your Lord- 
ship, that since my arrival at Galveston, while I have abstained 
from all improper interference with the internal affairs of this 
Country, I have unhesitatingly and openly carried out the in- 
structions which I have received relative to the trafSck in Slaves by 
British Sul)jects, — that, in pursuing this plain course of duty, 1 
have experienced no obstruction, or annoyance, except from British 
Slave-Jiolders, or their ahhetors among their own Countrymen, — 
that I am fully sensible both these classes of persons have done, and 
are doing, their utmost to injure me, personally and officially, — 
that their activity was especially manifest on the occasion of my 
late siclmess, and that if, in future, I be not better supported than 
I have been hitherto by the Countenance of British Authority upon 
the Spot, it seems much less likely that I should put down Slave 
trading and Slave holding among Her Majesty's Subjects resident 
here, than that the Slave traders and Slave holders should put 
down me — at least so far as my power to restrain their illegal 
practices is concerned. 

William Kennedy 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN ^^ 

Private. Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston May 31st. 1844. 
My Lord, 

In accordance with the direction contained in a letter from Her 
Majesty's Charge d' Affaires to this Republic, dated New Orleans 

^'In 1843 Kennedy attempted to take action against a British firm 
bringing slaves into Texas, but ^as advised by Elliot (lat-er confirmed 
by Aberdeen) that no action by him was legally possible. The correspond- 
ence and documents are in print in British Sessional Papers, 1844, Com- 
mons. Vol. 49: Slave Trade Correspondence, Class C, Texas. 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 



334 Texas State Historical Association 

May 30th, I propose to have the honor to Communicate to Your 
Lordship, from time to time such matters and occurrences within 
the circle of my observation as appear to be of public interest, 
or importance 

In a postscript to my letter of 6th instant, addressed to Captain 
Elliot, of which I took occasion to transmit a Copy to Your Lord- 
ship, I noticed the arrival off Galveston, of the United States 
Frigate "Potomac.'' 

The "Potomac" bore the Flag of Commodore Conner-" the Officer 
in Command of the American "Home Squadron," which it is 
understood, is intended to cruize in the Grulf of Mexico, during 
the Negotiations for Annexing this Country to the United States. 
After remaining some days, the Potomac left Galveston, it was said, 
for Vera Cruz; and has been succeeded by the Sloop of War "Vin- 
eennes." Three more American Men of War are shortly expected 
off this Port, and a new War Steamer called the "'Union." 

The "Poinsett" War Steamer left Galveston for Vera Cruz, about 
the time indicated in my letter to Captain Elliot of 6th May. It 
was remarked to me that a Mr Thompson, who was on board the 
"Poinsett" as bearer of propositions from the Government of the 
United States to the Government of Mexico, had resided in Texas 
formerly; and, in the course of the Eevolutionary War, had. been 
arrested by the Texans, on a charge of treasonable Correspondence 
with Mexican Authorities. His selection for his present employ- 
ment was thought to be significant. A ground of suspicions against 
him, at the period of his arrest, was the rumour that Colonel 
Almonte, at present Minister from Mexico to the United States, 
was about to be married to his (Thompson's) daughter. 

I was lately favoured with visits of inquiry respecting my 
health by President Houston, and Judge Terrell, the Attorney 
General of the Eepublic, the President seemed desirous to explain 
the nature of the preliminary arrangements entered into with the 
Government of the United States. The Statement he volunteered 
agreed, in the main points, with the information upon the Subject 
contained in my previously mentioned letter of 6th of May. — 

^"David Conner, in 1844 in command of the United States squadron on 
the West Indian Station. He was later a leading naval commander dur- 
ing the Mexican War. (Appleton, Cyclop, of Amer. Biog.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 335 

With the addition, as I understood him, that, in case of the faihire 
of a Treaty of Annexation, the Government of the United States 
had pledged itself to adopt effective Measures for securing the in- 
dependence of Texas. He evinced some anxiety to show that the 
Scheme of Annexation had been prematurely forced upon him, dur- 
ing last Session of Congress, by a factious Majority, against which 
he was unable to maintain his ground. That a violent legislative 
opposition, aided and abetted by the Ministry of the United States 
in this Country, was arrayed against him, and threatened impeach- 
ment, is undoubtedly true. The Attorney General separately de- 
clared that, had the Foreign (European) Ministers been at the seat 
of Government, to sustain General Houston by their presence 
against the coercive operations of part}^, he (the President) would 
not have sanctioned the proceedings then adopted by Congress, for 
Annexing Texas to the United States. — I may observe that the 
Attorney General, although a Member of the President's Cabinet, 
is warmly opposed to Annexation 

The information from the President would have been more full 
and explicit had not a sense of duty forbade my putting questions 
to him on political affairs. Some of his oldest friends now profess 
to consider him altogether and decidedly in favour of Annexation. 
It is alleged that, to induce him to promote the project, a powerful 
party in the United States held out inducements tempting to his 
political ambition. 

The Country is at present perfectly tranquil. In Galveston peo- 
ple seem quietly to await the issue of the Negociations with the 
United States, and with abated expectations of their success. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABEEDEEN^i 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston June 11th 1844 
My Lord, 

I had the honor of addressing Your Lordship, in a Communica- 
tion marked "Private" on the 31st Ultimo. Since which time no 
event of moment has fallen under my notice. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



336 Texas State Historical Association 

T]ie "Poinsette" IT. S. War Steamer, entered this Harbour, 
on the 7th Instant, on her way from Vera Cruz to New Orleans, 
bearing it was said, the refusal of Mexico to entertain the over- 
tures for "Annexation" made by the United States. She went 
to Sea again on the following day. 

The United States Sloop of War, "Vincennes," mentioned in 
my last, left her Anchorage in Galveston Roads about the first of 
this Month, but returned in a few days, and was joined by the 
"Somers," United States Brig of War, on the 5th Instant, To 
these was speedly added the new War Steamer called the "Union." 
— On the 9th Instant, the three vessels put to Sea, with the inten- 
tion, if rumours might be credited, of appearing before Vera Cruz. 

There has been a petty Indian inroad, attended with some loss of 
life, at Corpus Christi, which is also threatened by Mexican Marau- 
ders. The Government of Texas is about to strengthen that fron- 
tier position, and I have been informed that an American Vice 
Consul is to be stationed there, with Authority to display the 
JSTational Flag. 

Corpus Christi is considered of some importance as a Texan 
trading post, to which Mexican Contrabandists resort for the pur- 
pose of Smuggling good[s] across the Rio Grande. 

William Kennedy. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 14. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston. June 14th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose a statement of Laws affecting Ship- 
ping and commerce, passed during the last Session of the Congress 
of this Republic, which terminated on the 5th of February in the 
present year.^ 

I have also the honor to enclose Copy of a Communication from 
Captain Elliot,^ Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires to Texas, in 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

^^See Gammel, Lmcs of Texas, II, 969, 976, 998, 1017. Kennedy's en- 
closure summarizing the laws is here omitted. 

''Elliot to Kennedy, May 1, 1844, telling the latter to buy copies of 
Acts of Texas Congress, rather than communicate with the Government 
of Texas. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 337 

answer to mine of the 18th April, of which I deemed it my duty to 
transmit a Copy to Your Lordship. Captain Elliot's letter, though 
dated the 1st of May, did not arrive at Galveston until the 3d of 
the present Month, and it might have been delayed still longer, had 
not the packet containing it been found at a Steamboat office by 
my New Orleans Agent. 

It would be seen by my Correspondence, that, before the receipt 
of Captain Elliot's letter dated 1st May, I had proposed to avail 
myself of a Copy of the Acts of the Texan Congress, as "published 
for general use," for the purpose of reporting "to the proper quar- 
ter all enactments of consequence to our Commercial and Mari- 
time Interests." But, while taking this course, I must respectfully 
take leave to dissent from Captain Elliot's opinion that it was not 
necessary to make any application to the Government (of Texas) 
"upon the subject." On the contrary, the examination of the Acts 
of Congress, previous io drawing up the enclosed Statement, has 
impressed me still more with the necessity of obtaining, for 
offi.cial use, a Copy of the Laws the fidelity of which shall have 
been certified by the Department of State. 

I have had long experience of the general inaccuracy of docu- 
ments printed in the United States. The usual causes of this inac- 
curary exist in a still greater degree in Texas, and there is a pro- 
portionate Amount of typographical error. Among the published 
Laws of last Congress, there is, for instance, one entitled "An Act 
Supplementary to an "Act regulating the Sale of Eunaway Slaves," 
approved January Fifth 1841." — According to the Statutes for 
1841, the original law (which, together with the Supplementary 
Act, I have transmitted in my "Slave Trade" Correspondence) 
was approved on the 5th of February, not January, as recently set 
forth. I might adduce other instances, but this will suffice to show 
the unreliable character of the printed Acts. 

In reference to the concluding portion of Captain Elliot's reply 
to my letter of the 18th April, I would beg to observe that — while 
very far from presuming to question the expediency of any ar- 
rangement sanctioned by Her Majesty's Government, it appeared 
to me that, without any abatement of becoming deference, and in 
strict accordance with the understood duties of my office, I might 
respectfully point out whatever public inconvenience arose from a 



338 Texas State Historical Association 

particular arrangement, in order that due provision should be 
made against the recurrence of such inconvenience. In enacting 
new laws, or amending old ones, the Legislature of Texas usually 
provides that the enactments shall come into operation, "from and 
after the passage of the Act," or "from and after the first day of 
April," next ensuing. Now, as the Legislative Session, almost 
invariably closes in the beginning of February, it is certainly de- 
sirable that timely notice should be given of all changes affecting 
trade and shipping, for the guidance of Merchants and Ship- 
owners during the current year. For lack of such notice, as I 
stated in my letter to Captain Elliot, of 18th April, "Shipments 
may be made from England to Texas, under the faith of one 
Tariff, and arrive just in time to be taxed inopportunely, under 
the provisions of another." 

It is a fact universally admitted here, and not unfrequently a 
Subject of Complaint, that the Majority of those chosen to the 
Congress of Texas are but little skilled in the principles of Com- 
mercial legislation, and that Mercantile interests are consequently 
in peril from rash and ill-digested enactments. It was from 
knowledge of this fact and apprehension of possible results, that — ■ 
"with a view to the public advantage,'* — I ventured to suggest 
that — "On occasion of the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' 
Affaires from this Country, during the Legislative Session, it 
might be expedient to have a proper person, duly authorized, to 
watch over the proceedings, and to note whatever Measures prom- 
ised to prove prejudicial, or otherwise, to British interests." 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston. June 18th. 1844. 
My Lord. 

Several weeks have elapsed since my attention was called to a 
Matter of some delicacy, on which I was slow to bestow serious 
notice, partly from doubts as to the earnestness of alleged Agents, 
partly from a disposition to repel any overture, or disclosure, that 

*F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 



339 



might in any degree tend to compromise Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment through me, and partly from the apparently unwarrantable 
introduction of the names of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires and 
the Charge d' Affaires of France to this Country. — Of late, this 
Matter has been presented to me with such a minuteness of detail 
and semblance of authority, that, to provide against possible con- 
tingencies and to relieve myself of an uneasy sense of responsibility, 
I hold it best to put Your Lordship in possession of the leading 
facts. 

Since the return of Colonel Hockley and Mr Williams, the Texan 
Commissioners appointed to treat for an Armistice with Mexico, 
they have not only been visited by unpopularity consequent upon an 
abortive Mission but there has been an ostensible alienation be- 
tween them and the President of the Eepublic. This alienation 
has been manifested, on the part of the Commissioners, in com- 
plaints that, but for the unseasonable action of the Executive in 
favour of the Annexation of Texas to the United States, their 
Mission might have proved successful. Occupying the position of 
thwarted Negotiators, it was natural that they should signify their 
dissatisfaction with a Measure which virtually divested them of 
their delegated functions and nullified their endeavours. As was 
to be expected then they have taken occasion to pronounce an 
unfavourable opinion of the project of Annexation, more especially 
the Military Commissioner, Colonel Hockley, whose late Colleague 
being engaged in Mercantile pursuits, is, therefore, it has been 
intimated, reluctant to commit himself openly to what the Mass 
of The population would probably consider an objectionable course. 
From the free avowals attributed, and I have reason to believe 
with justice, to Colonel Hockley, it would appear that the ex- 
Commissioners do not intend to limit their opposition to Annexa- 
tion to the mere expression of opinion. On the presumption that 
the Treaty of Annexation may receive the approval of the United 
States' Congress, they have (I am taught to believe) meditated, 
and are meditating, the organization of a party, to make a stand 
against that Measure, even (so at least, the language ascribed 
to Colonel Hockley seemed to indicate) to the point of armed re- 
sistance. In support of the general design. Colonel Hockley and 
one or two of his fellow-Conntrymen and friends alleged that they 



340 Texas State Historical Association 

have the Countenance and Counsel of the now absent representa- 
tives of Great Britain and France, from the former of whom Mr 
AViiliams, it is asserted, received encouraging Communications by 
the Steam-boat "New York," which arrived at Galveston, from 
I^ew Orleans on the lltli Instant. These Communications, together 
with others superscribed "Private" and addressed to President 
Houston, were, it is said, recently despatched from Natchez on 
the Mississippi by Captain PJlliot, who — had I not been otherwise 
instructed by Your Lordship's letter to Mr Macdougall of the 
18th April, and Captain Elliot's letter to myself, of the 20th May, 
— I might be led to infer was still sojourning at, or near to, that 
locality. 

AMien the Matter under review was first opened to me, in the 
guise of intelligence, M. de Saligny, Charge d' Affaires of Prance, 
and Colonel Hockley were described as the parties to an arrange- 
ment, under whicli the opponents of Annexation, when properly 
organized, were to invoke the aid of Prance, to uphold them in 
their efforts to sustain the indepejidence of Texas against the 
United States. With the progress of events, and for the purpose, 
it may be, of attracting adherents, the Name of Her Majesty's 
Charge d' Affaires was brought forward, as being equally propitious 
to the design as the representative of France. Finally, it has been 
stated, that, should the Treaty of Annexation be approved by the 
Congress of the United States, Colonel Hockley and his Coadjutors 
will urge forward the prosecution of their plan, — And should the 
Treaty be rejected. Captain Elliot and M. d* Saligny will expedite 
their return to Texas, to pursue the Course which circumstances 
may seem to require — it being understood that President Houston 
has pleaded their absence from the Seat of Government, during the 
last Session of Congress, in defence of his yielding to the wishes 
of the Texan Legislature on the Subject of Annexation. 

This is an outline of the Communications, that have been made 
to me, and which are submitted to Your Lordship as conveyed 
from Creditable sources, and as affording means of explanation 
in the event of any complication of affairs arising out of the 
circumstances detailed 

At a period so critical as the present, it may not be inopportune 
to assure Your Lordship that I have strictly confined myself to 



k 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 341 

the sphere of an observer, limiting the active exercise of forethought 
to the Condition of British Eesidents who, on the faith of it's In- 
dependence, have selected Texas as a field of enterprize. I may be 
permitted to add that, acting solely on my own responsibility, I 
should certainly be wholly adverse, as a general rule, to any con- 
nexion with the operations of local party, particularly at the present 
Juncture. — Nor, without impugning, the respectability and good 
faith of Colonel Hockley and Mr. Williams, would I be at all in- 
clined to make an exception in favour of their alleged Movement. 
That Movement may be judicious in itself, becoming in its Au- 
thors, patriotic as regards this Country and (what I should appre- 
hend to be problematical) accompanied by a prospect of Success, — 
but it is not to be forgotten that Mr Williams and Colonel Hockley 
are of American birth and education, that the former was, at one 
time, private secretary to General Andrew Jackson, and, not 
remotely, a Member of General Houston's Administration, that 
reconciliation and renewed accord with the latter may not be diffi- 
cult, when it shall seem expedient, that their project and the ex- 
ternal sources of reliance are known to other Americans, — that, 
among a Republican democracy, political secrecy is next to im- 
possible. — And that, if the contemplated design should transpire 
through the usual means of publicity, it is sure to be dilated into 
a Scheme of alarming magnitude, calculated to awaken fresh Jeal- 
ousies in the United States, respecting British interference, and 
to serve as a pretext for those who wish to precipitate a war. 
^mong the excitable population of the North American Confed- 
eracy, a small spark may kindle a great flame. 

In a letter marked "Private," which 1 had the honor to address 
to Your Lordship on the 31st Ultimo, I mentioned that, to move 
President Houston to promote the Measure of Annexation, a 
powerful party in the United States had, it was said, ''lield out 
inducements tempting to his Ambition." — Those inducements, I am 
told, were, — the representation of Texas, as Senator in the United 
States Congress, — the probable leadership of the American Dem- 
ocratic Party., and the prospect of being started as its Candidate 
for the Presidency in the year 1848. These propositions would 
doubtless originate with General Jackson, who, it will be observed, 
has evinced much dexerity in superseding Mr Van Buren by a 



343 Texas State Historical Association 

Candidate pledged to support Annexation, in the approaching 
Contest for the Presidency 

So far as I can learn, or perceive, Texas continues quiet. The 
trial of Commodore Moore, for disobedience of orders, and other 
weighty offences charged against him, ia proceeding at the Seat 
of Government. — The only American Vessel of War at Galveston, 
Is the Schooner "Flirt," which, with one or two brief intervals 
of absence, has been lying in the Harbour since October last. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ™^^^"^ ^enne^j. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 14.<' Blue Sulphur Springs, 

My Lord, Virginia June 23d. 1844. 

I have the honor to report that I am ready to proceed to my 
post Avhenever my presence there may seem to Your Lordship to be 
desirable; and I would add that I have written privately to Mr 
Pakenham some days since, to say that I shall be prepared to 
return to Texas at any moment that He may see reason to recom- 
mend that course. 

Through the press of this Country I learnt that the treaty of 
annexation had been rejected by the Senate of the United States, 
and I also observe that Mr Benton's important legislative measure 
to the same purpose (however modified, limitarily considered) has 
been set at rest for the present. But I suppose it may be taken 
for granted that the subject of annexation will be renewed again 
in some form, at the next regular Meeting of Congress in the 
United States, if not at a called Session, and perhaps with more 
probability of success than has attended the treaty 

It is not my place, to comment upon the principles of Mr. 
Benton's Measure, or on the agitating consequences of the continued 
discussion of this subject in the United States, particularly with 
these intentions to exclude Slavery from a portion of the Country 
which He proposes to designate the South Western territory." 
The heats and serious difficulties, however, which occurred on the 
introduction of the State of Missouri into this Confederacy will 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 

"Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 13, 1844, was not found. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 343 

probably present themselves to Your Lordship's recollection in 
connexion with this subject, for the questions in several important 
particulars offer the same reasons for anticipating hardly recon- 
cilable differences of opinion. 

The excitement and dangers of the Missouri case were only 
Turned aside by the final prevalence of a spirit of Compromise, for 
which there is less room, and still less of temper in the present 
instance, and at this advanced period of public opinion and ex- 
perience upon the subject of Slavery. But without dwelling on these 
points, I certainly cannot think that Mr. Benton's proposition 
will find favor Avith the Government or people of Texas, either 
in point of matter or manner. 

It is to be hoped that the Government of Mexico will prevent 
a renewal of this Complication, and all the consequences arising 
from it by the adoption of a sounder policy than they have hitherto 
pursued, the time for which appears to be rapidly passing away. 

1 take the liberty to repeat to Your Lordship that communica- 
tions to me, addressed to the care of Her Majesty's Consul at 
Boston, will always reach me withm a few days of their arrival at 
that point. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Eight Honorable, 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Ko. 15, Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston, July 8th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's despatch, No 3 
of this years series, and beg to tender my grateful acknowledg- 
ment of your considerate kindness, in granting me the permission 
it conveys to seek change of air and scene, for the more speedy 
re-establishment of my health. 

Being sufficiently restored to attend to my various duties, I do 
not (in the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires) propose 
to avail myself of the leave until the beginning of September next, 
when European Shipping will have ceased for a time to frequent 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



344 Texas State Historical Association 

this Port; nor, even then, should any exigency render it expedient 
that I should remain at my post. 

I were unworthy of the interest in my welfare indicated by 
Your Lordship's permission, had it not the effect of quickening 
my anxiety for the efficient and full discharge of the obligations 
of my official trust, and of lightening the sense of any personal 
sacrifice which a conscientious estimate of the weight and extent 
of those obligations might call upon me to make. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 
No. 16. 

Her Majesty's Consulate. 
Galveston, July 8th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to transmit herewith a Memorial addressed to 
Your Lordship by British Subjects resident in Texas, having ref- 
erence to the Measures in agitation for Annexing Texas to the 
United States. 

A considerable proportion of the Memorialists are known to me 
as persons respectable by position and character. They assign as 
a reason for the comparatively small number of Signatures, that 
it was deemed inexpedient, placed as the British residents are 
amidst a preponderating population from the United States, to 
hold public Meetings, or to make any open demonstration for the 
purpose of eliciting the opinions of their fellow-Countrymen 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

RUTHVEN AND OTHERS TO ABERDEEN^ 

[Enclosure] 

To the Eight Honble. The Earl of Aberdeen Her Britannick 

Majesty's principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. 

The Memorial of the undersigned British residents of the Towns 
of Galveston and Houston in the Eepublic of Texas Humbly 
Sheweth : 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 
=r. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 345 

That,3'our Memorialists, the greater part of them are engaged in 
Commercial pursuits, selected Texas as a field for their industry 
and enterprize, under the belief that it would remain an Inde- 
pendent State, in which Capacity it has been formally recognized 
by Her Majesty's Govt, and the Governments of France, The 
United States and Holland. 

That regarding Texas as Politically Independent and looking 
forward to a pacification between her and Mexico, as not being 
remote, Your Memorialists, who in Common with the rest of the 
population have sufi:ered from the unsettled Condition of Public 
Affairs are perfectly satisfied to remain in the Country Employed 
in their several pursuits, Not doubting that the future would in 
the ordinary Course of events bring them a fair return for Capital 
and Labour. 

That, after having been led to entertain hopes of an adjustment 
between Mexico and Texas being speedily effected, and in a great 
measure through the friendly Mediation of Her Majesty's Govt 
acting in accordance with other Powers by whom the Independence 
of Texas has been recognized, Your Memorialists have learned 
with Surprize and regret that proceedings have been, and are now 
in active progress by persons Clothed with Authority for effecting 
the Annexation of Texas to the United States. 

That, Your Memorialists while they cannot but view the pro- 
jected measure of Annexation as wholly inconsistent with the 
treaty obligations to which Gt Britain and the Eepublic of Texas 
are mutually covenanting and assenting parties, necessarily Con- 
template in it the virtual violation of an understood Compact with 
themselves, as residents in the Country, proposing as the Measure 
does, to substitute our Govt, for another, and to introduce prin- 
ciples of Commercial legislation at variance with their Mercantile 
Interests, and as they believe, with the interests of England and 
all other Manufacturing Countries of Europe. 

That being likewise impressed with the Conviction, that the 
incorporation of Texas with the Federal Union would ultimately 
give to the United States the power to establish a Monoply of 
Nortli American Commerce, and transfer to them a complete as- 
cendency in the Affairs of this Continent. — Your Memorialists 
humbly hope that Her Majesty's Govt will adopt such Measures 
as they, in their Wisdom may deem most expedient to bring about 



346 



Texas State Historical Association 



an early and honourable Settlement of the difficulties existing be- 
tween Mexico and Texas and to guard against the accomplishments 
of any project inconsistent with the Political Independence of 
the Eepublic and the treaty Stipulations existing between her and 
Gt. Britain. 



A. S. Euthven 
Thos. y. Mortimer 
Jno. Dickinson 
Wm. Thomson 
James Grant 
A. P. Thompson 
Wm. Wood 
John Newland 
James Smith 
D. H. McDonald 
W. N. Lyon 
H. M. Ganmell 
William Purviss 
John Collins, a resident 

of The County of 

Houston. 
W. G. Dyer 
Eobertin Hannay 



E. B. Hannay 

Wm. M. Hudson 
Angus McKenzie 
James Denny 
Henry Bryant 
A. Waddington 
G. B. Scott 
John Scott 
Wm. C. Byrne 
Saml. Hyatt 
David E. Eobertson 
Charles Daniel 
Wm. J. Wright 
Thos. Cooper 
William Bollant 
Henry Stephenson 
J. H. Grieve 



[Endorsed] In Mr Consul Kennedy's Despatch, dated 8th July. 
1844. (No. 16.) 



KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston July 8th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

In a letter marked "Private" which I had the honor to address 
to Your Lordship on the 18th Ultimo, I observed, that "Among 
a Eepublican democracy, political secrecy is next to impossible." — 
A (printed) correspondence herewith enclosed,* between Her 
Majesty's Charge d' Affaires and the Secretary of State of Texas, 

'F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 

^A cutting from The Galveston Civilian, June 8, 1844. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 347 

affords evidence that this observation is not ill founded. The cor- 
respondence was published in the Texan Newspapers within about 
iMo Months from the date of the first of communications which it 
includes. 

The rejection of the Treaty of Annexation, by the Senate of 
the United States, has disappointed the expectations of many in 
this country, and has from some elicited signs of irritation. A 
Galveston paper, (the Civilian)^ of Saturday last remarks— "We 
have not yet had time to see what effect the rejection of the Treaty 
and other Measures for the Annexation of Texas by the United 
States Congress, will have upon the minds of the friends of the 
Measure, in this Country generally, but, in Galveston, as far as 
we have heard them express themselves, the prevailing opinion 
seems to be that the question has been closed forever, and that 
for Texas to entertain it further would be a degradation not to be 
endured."— As I mentioned in my letter of the 6th May to Captain 
Elliot (of which I transmitted a Copy to Your Lordship) "the 
European residents form a considerable proportion of the inhabit- 
ants of this place." 

A well informed Correspondent writes to me from New Orleans 
on the 29th. Ultimo.— "The Subject of Annexation will be taken 
up again soon, and agitated with redoubled vigour, and not with- 
out probability of success; provided Texas cannot, in the mean- 
time, be induced to withdraw her consent." There are Americans, 
of some influence, at present, on a visit to Galveston, who, while 
they declare themselves warm supporters of Mr Clay's pretensions 
to the Presidency, speak of the Annexation of Texas to the United 
States as an arrangement all but certain. One of these persons, 
an extensive Merchant of New Orleans, is about to establish a 
Sugar plantation in this Country, and to remove thither Slaves 
employed by him on a plantation in Louisiana, on the presumption 
that Annexation will speedily take place. 

I enclose an extract from the Government JournaP published 
at Washington on the Brazos, announcing the arrival there of 
Officers bearing communications from General Taylor, now in 
Command of the American troops on the Texan frontier. I also 
enclose, and place in juxta-position with the preceding, a published 

°A cutting from The 'National Vindicator, June 29, 1844. 



348 Texas State Historical Association 

letter* from the Legation of tlie United States in Mexico. The 
Galveston pa]>er, in which this letter appears, states that General 
Mnrphy has promptly communicated this information to his Gov- 
ernment; and also that "he has strongly represented to his Gov- 
ernment the absolute necessity of checking this hostile Movement 
of Mexico, evidently made with a view of putting an end to all 
hope of Annexation, and to take vengeance on Texas for favouring 
any Negotiation on that subject with the United States." In 
addition to these indications, I notice that the Texan Adminis- 
tration Journal at Washington intimates — that the late Indian 
inroads were stimulated and aided by the Mexican Authorities on 
the Eio Grande. From all the Movements, it would not be un- 
reasonable to infer, tliat a rase of armed interve^ition ivas in 
jyrogress. 

The departure of General Mlirphy, Charge d'Affaires of the 
United States, will, it is announced, take place in a' few days, his 
successor having been appointed. — According to the information 
derived from the private Secretary of the French Charge d'Affaires, 
M. de Saligny, that gentleman is to arrive at Galveston by the 
next Steamer from New Orleans. 

The United States Brig of War '"Somers" arrived off Galveston 
from Vera Cruz, on the evening of the 30th Ultimo, and sailed, 
it was said for Pensacola, on the 2d Instant — 

The Indians have been defeated on the frontier, and the borders 
are undisturbed at present. — A successor to General Houston in 
the Presidency of Texas is to be chosen in September, and there 
are two Candidates in the field. — General Burleson, celebrated as 
a leader against the Indians, and Mr Anson Jones, who is now in 
Office as Secretary of State. As yet, the electioneering Campaign 
proceeds but languidly, — the question of Annexation being para- 
mount in the Minds of the people. 

mi -o 1 p Ai, J T- m William Kennedy. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. "^ 

P. S. Persons supposed to be in the confidence of the Texan 
Government say, — that propositions have been made offering to 
secure the independence of this Country within Sixty days, pro- 
vided Mexico be guaranteed against "Annexation," and the Ports 
of Texas opened to free trade with Great Britain and France. 

"A cutting from The Galveston News, July 6, 1844. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 349 

The same persons also say that General Henderson, the special 
Envoy from Texas to the United States, has written to Counsel 
the people of this Country against taking any precipitate step, as 
llie prospect of accomplishing the Measure of Annexation is still 
favourable. 

W. K. 

ELLIOT TO ABEKDEEX^ 

Private. White Sulphur Springs 

Virginia July 10th. 184-1. 
My I,ord, 

In a kind private letter from Mr Clay to me, dated on the 2 9th 
Ultimo, reproaching me for not paying him a visit on my way to 
these Mountains, he ohserves "My predictions as to the fate of the 
Texas treaty before the Senate were fully verified, the decision 
of that body will vindicate the good faith and honor of the U. 
States" 

"The Author of the Negotiations has totally failed in the object 
which unquestionably moved him to open it" (Mr. Clay means 
here the disunion of the )Vhig party and he goes on to say) "It 
could not secure him even the nomination of the Democratic Con- 
vention, nor with the treaty exert any material influence on the 
existing canvass. I consider the success of the Whig cause is 
beyond all doubt." 

It has occurred to me that Your Lordship would be pleased to 
hear these views, and I hope, therefore, to be excused for this 
intrusion. Your Lordship will have observed from my despatches 
that I did not consider it suitable to avail myself of the permission 
to return to Europe in the condition of affairs which had come 
about, by the time that it reached me;** neither have I liked to 
do so till replies to the intelligence of the failure of the treaty 
shall have reached me, either directly, or through Mr. Pakenham. 

'P. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 

'Elliot, thouoh recuperating in Virginia, presumably knew by this time 
(through Pakenham) of the determination to which Aberdeen had come 
in May, 1844, of preventing the Annexation of Texas. The "IMurphy 
Memorandum," an outline of a plan by which England, France, and 
Mexico were to act in concert in prohibiting annexation had been drawn 
up by Aberdeen and the Mexican minister. Murphy, in London, on May 
29, 1844. For text of the memorandum, see Adams, British Interests and 
Activities in Texas, 168-169. For paraphrased translation, see Smith, 
The Annexation of Texas, 389. 



350 Texas State Historical Association 

la the mean time I am glad to find that Mr. Pakenham agrees 
with me in thinking there is no need for my return to Texas till 
we shall be further instructed from England. 

Your Lordship is aware that I am ready for any service that 
may be charged to me. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston July 29th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

In reference to a portion of my letter of the 18th Instant, 
marked "Private," and addressed to Your Lordship, I beg to com- 
municate the following information, recently received from Mr 
Kedmond, an English trader, resident at Corpus Christi. 

It has been stated by Mr Eedmond, that, in consequence of the 
unusually formidable character of the late Indian inroads, the 
residents of Corpus Christi had made urgent application for pro- 
tection to the Government. The requisite assistance was prom- 
ised, to enable them to repel any merely Indian incursion, and it 
was further intimated, by President Houston, to the party deputed 
to represent their situation, that if they had reason to construe 
the attempts upon Corpus Christi into a design originating in 
hostile dispositions on the side of Mexico, arrangements should be 
made for calling in a protective force from the United States. — 
Such are the leading points of the Statement furnished by Mr 
Redmond, who, notwithstanding his anxiety respecting the fate 
of his property at Corpus Christi, is too much opposed to "An- 
nexation" to desire the presence of American troops within the 
limits of this Republic. 

Captain Galan,^'' a bearer of despatches from the Government of 
Mexico to the Government of Texas, arrived at Corpus Christi 
on the 5th Inst. He is still in this Country, the absence of Presi- 
dent Houston in Eastern Texas having delayed his return to 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

"Mentioned in July, 1843, as a bearer of communications from General 
Well to President Houston. Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the 
Republic of Texas, III, 1114, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 351 

Matanioros. — I have been informed that the Communications, of 
which he has been the bearer contain a formal Notice of the ter- 
mination of the Armistice between Mexico and Texas. 

The French Brig of War "Griffon," arrived off Galveston on 
the 17th Instant, some of her officers visited the town. — On the 
21st Instant, the Brig went to sea again. The Charge d' Affaires 
of France is still absent. 

The United States War Schooner "Flirt," sailed from Galveston 
on the 22d Instant. The officer in Command alleged that he had 
delayed her departure for the purpose of ascertaining the object 
of the "Griffon's" visit, and watching her movements. 

General Murphy, late Charge d' Affaires from the United States 
died in Galveston on the night of the 13th Instant, and was buried 
on the 13th. In compliance with the wishes of the provisional 
representative of the United States Government in this Republic. 
I attended the funeral as a pall-bearer. This is the third Ameri- 
can Minister Avho has died in Texas within the last four years. 

The project of placing a Consular Officer of the United States 
at Corpus Christi (mentioned in my "Private" letter to Your 
Lordship of June 11th) was favoured by General Murphy, and 
may, perhaps, with his decease, for the present pass away. 

On Friday, the 26th Instant, General T. A. Howard, tlie newly- 
appointed Charge d' Affaires from the United States to Texas, 
arrived here from New Orleans, by the Texan, Merchant brig 
"Eover." — I called upon General Howard, and was told that, ap- 
prehensive of his health, he had left the town, and had proceeded 
some Miles down the Island, where he intended to remain for a 
short time, — until, it is probable, the sickness now prevailing had 
abated. 

The sickness prevalent has been pronounced Yellow Fever by 
Medical authority. It was — there is no room to doubt — brought 
to Galveston from Vera Cruz, by the United States War Steamer 
"Poinsett," when she entered this Harbour on the 7th of June, 
as reported in my "private" letter to Your Lordship of the 11th 
of that Month. Part of her crew were attacked by the disease at 
Vera Cruz, and some of them still suffering under it, were landed 
here — there being, as yet, no Quarantine Eegulations for this Port. 
The result has been disastrous — There have been many deaths, and 
I have heard a Medical estimate that one out of every ten of the 



.35"? Texas Slate Historical Association 

whole population has been stricken by fever. The United States 
Consul for Galveston, — who — some fourteen days ago attended 
with me the funeral of the late American Minister, expired ac 
6 o'clock on yesterday morning, and in the evening of the same 
day I followed his remains to the grave. 

There are three British Merchant Vessels in Harbour, and sick- 
ness has pressed severely on their crews. The Master of one, and 
the carpenter of another have died. Medical attendance is very 
expensive, and Nurses for the sick are difficult to be procured. 
For about twelve day's Medical attendance. Medicine, etc., during 
my illness, in the early part of the year, I had to pay above Sixty 
five pounds Sterling. — It might be well if Consuls, under sucli 
circumstances, were authorized to Contract for attendance on 
British ships. 

With the exception of a female servant, all in my house have 
hitherto escaped the existing fever. Anxious, as I am, to leave 
no arrear in my official books, to lay a good foundation for the 
future conduct of the business of this Consulate, and to note the 
progress of events, at this seemingly critical period, I have, for 
the present, relinquished the idea of fixing any specific time for 
recruiting my strength at a distance from my post. I propose, 
therefore, to continue this correspondence, until otherwise directed, 
during the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires. 

The Steamers that ply annually between Galveston and New 
Orleans, have withdrawn from the station, for the Season of 
Southern-Sultriness and inactivity. I cannot in consequence, cal- 
culate on possessing the means of transmitting intelligence from, 
this place with equal regularity as heretofore. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. General Howard, the recently arrived Minister from the 
United States, has sent me a card, in return to mine by the 
Hanseatic Consul at this Port, — with expressions of regret, at his 
inability to return my call, in consequence of being obliged to 
leave Galveston by Steam-boat today for Houston, on his way to 
the seat of Government. 

W. K. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 353 

KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^ 
No. 19. 

Her Majesty's Consulate 
Galveston 
July 29th. 1844. 
Sir, 

In accordance with the Instructions issued to Her Majesty's 
Consuls, I have to report the appearance of a disease at Galveston 
which Medical Authority has pronounced to be Yellow Fever. 

There are as yet no Quarantine Eegulations at this Port, and 
there is every reason to believe that the disease was introduced by 
the United States War Steamer "Poinsett," when she touched here 
last month, on her voyage from Vera Cruz homewards. 

There are three British Merchant Vessels in Port, which have 
been visited by the Fever. The Master of one and the Carpenter 
of another have died, but all the Sick on board these ships, or 
belonging to them, now — I am happy to say — appear to be in a 
fair way of recovery. — It is the "Victoria" of Poole, (from Liver- 
pool) that has lost the Master, who exposed himself — most im- 
prudently — to the Sun in an open boat. 

William Kennedy. 
John Bidwell Esqr. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Separate. Washington 

August 13th 1844. 
My Lord, 

I would beg to mention to Your Lordship that I have taken the 
opportunity of my stay in this part of the Country to pay my 
respects to Mr. Pakenham, and to renew to him the expression of 
my readiness to set out for my post at any moment that my pres- 
ence there may be considered desirable. 

If however there should be no need for my immediate return, 
I will request Your Lordship to sanction my continued absence 
till the beginning of the Month of ISTovember. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honorable, The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 
2F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 



354 Texas State Historical Association 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston August 14th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

General Howard, the new American Charge d' Affaires, has 
reached the seat of Government, and presented his credentials. 
It was his intention, when he left Galveston, to remain at Wash- 
ington on the Brazos, for the transaction of business. It is said 
that he is directed to apply for an extension of the time for the 
completion of the arrangements incidental to the Treaty of An- 
nexation. The additional term, mentioned is three Months. In 
return (it may be supposed) for this Concession, he has, it is 
alleged, repeated to President Houston the assurance that the 
land and naval forces of the United States will be ready to assist 
Texas, in the event of a Mexican invasion. 

I have had letters from British Traders in Western Texas, ex- 
pressing strong apprehensions of the early outbreak of hostilities 
between Mexico and. Texas. — Some have applied for passports, to 
protect themselves and their property. There is hardly a symp- 
tom of preparation here to repel an invasion, should the threats 
of Mexico assume a practical form. There has been no further 
inroad at Corpus Christi. The farmers are quietly watching the 
progress of their Crops Avhich promise to be most abundant. 

A Mexican invasion will greatly facilitate the designs of the 
United States, and will go a good way towards placing the settle- 
ment of the affairs of this Country beyond the reach of diplomacy. 
Now that the Yellow Fever is among us, people cease to antici- 
pate the return of the Ministers of England and France until 
winter. — The United States will, as heretofore, have the field to 
themselves, but I shall use my best endeavours to keep Your Lord- 
ship apprized of the course of events. — Mr. Pakenham is desirous 
of information, and to him, also, I shall continue to communicate 
every fact worth noting that comes to my knowledge. 

Captain Galan, the Mexican bearer of despatches, mentioned in 
my "private" letter to Your Lordship of July 29th has returned 
home, The Collector of Customs at Galveston gives President 
Houston's authority for the Statement that he (the President) 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 355 

has received, by Galan, a private letter from General Santa Ana, 
inviting the reopening of Negotiations tor peace. — Whether or not 
this Statement has been put forward to influence the approaching 
elections, I am unable to say. That it should be promulgated with 
that object is probable enough. — Political finesse is as well under- 
stood and as unscrupulously practised in this unfledged Eepublic, 
as in the hoary despotisms of remotest Asia. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. August 16th. 

According to recent arrivals from Corpus Christi, there is no 
appearance of an invading force on the Eio Grande. 

W. K. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston, August 34th 1844. 
My Lord, 

In a communication marked "Private" and dated 29th Ultimo, 
I had the honor to inform Your Lordship of the arrival of General 
Howard, Charge d' Affaires from the United States to Texas, and 
of his departure, on that day, for the Seat of Government, where 
he arrived on the 3d Instant. 

On the 13th Instant, General Howard was attacked by fever, 
and on the 16th he died, — the fourth representative of the United 
States that has died in Texas, out of five that have been appointed 
since the recognition of it's independence by the American gov- 
ernment. 

The deceased gentleman was in the prime of vigorous life, and 
his appointment appeared to have given great satisfaction to the 
Texan Government — as he had been long on terms of friendly 
communication with President Houston, and, as I am told, with 
General Andrew Jackson. 

The acting Consul of the United States at Galveston has em- 
ployed a small Coasting Vessel to convey to ISTew Orleans the mel- 
ancholy intelligence of General Howard's death, and I avail my- 
self of the opportunity to transmit this letter, which is accom- 
panied by one of greater detail to Mr Pakenham. 

^F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 



356 Texas State Historical Association 

The Yellow Fever has carried off a tenth part of the population 
of Galveston, and local experience leads to the expectation that 
there will be a continuance of sickness until November. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 21. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston. September 9th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

When I entered upon the duties of my office, I had in contem- 
plation to include in my reports to Her Majesty's Government 
occasional Notices of the emigration to this Country, with especial 
reference to that portion of it, which might emanate from the 
United Kingdom. Of Europeans, however, the whole Number 
introduced into Texas since the beginning of the Year 1843 (ow- 
ing probably to the unadjusted relations between Mexico and this 
Eepublic) has not been so considerable as to afford much Material 
for suggestion, or remark. It has, at the same time, been large 
enough to show that persons intending to voyage hither across the 
Atlantic require to be furnished with some preparatory Counsel. 

In years preceding 1843, several vessels fitted up for and convey- 
ing British Emigrants arrived at Galveston, but, from the com- 
mencement of that year to the present time, no ship containing a 
dozen of BritisGi families has entered this Port. Nearly all the 
European emigrants within the latter period — which may amount 
to between six and seven hundred — have been supplied by France 
and Germany. 

Among the European Settlers, the Germans have the reputation 
of being the most successful. They are generally laborious, per- 
severing and eager to accumulate — orderly for the most part — 
and they keep well together. They have formed thriving Com- 
munities at different points of the interior, and they constitute a 
considerable proportion of the trading and working population of 
the towns adjacent to the Coast. In common with the French, 
they become Market-gardeners. And they divide with the Irish 
the profits of drayage and cartage, which are pretty large during 
the business season. 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 357 

The Irish settlers in Galveston are, with few exceptions, Cath- 
olics, and have the benefit of an excellent superintendent and 
adviser in the Bishop of that faith, M. Odin. — They conduct them- 
selves quietly as a class, and seem healthy, contented and well- 
doing. Those who are married and residents of two or three 
years' standing, usually have an independent house and lot^ — their 
own horse and dray, and frequently one or more Cows. The 
wives of the poorer sort assist in washing and housework. 

Of the European immigrants, the French evince the least apti- 
tude for the situation in which they are placed. They require to 
be moved in Companies, and led, directed and superintended, until 
they feel at home upon the soil. — A Frenchman left to himself in 
an insulated Settlement, will soon become barbarized. 

It is greatly to be wished that all the Europeans who may 
emigrate to Texas should be instructed, previously to taking the 
final step, respecting the arrangements proper to be made, — ^the 
provision necessary to smooth their way to success — the nature 
and extent of unavoidable inconveniences, hardships or priva- 
tions — the amount of present sacrifice and prospective advan- 
tage — the road to be pursued and the snares to be avoided. For 
lack of honest guidance and correct information, persons laud- 
ably desirous of improving their condition have been thrown upon 
these Shores only to encounter disappointment and despondency — ■ 
to learn, all too late, from sad experience, how little the sufferings 
of their fellows deter men from practising upon ignorance and 
credulity for the sake of gain. 

I have noted the following causes of disappointment and dis- 
tress among the European im.migrants: 

1. Purchase of Spurious land titles from unprincipled ad- 
venturers. 

2. Emigration at an advanced age and with debilitated Con- 
stitutions. 

3. Arrival here at an improper season of the Year. 

4. Selection of Settlement in unhealthy Situations, and ex- 
posure to the Sun. 

5. Vfant of capital. 

It is most extraordinary that people can be so foolish as to pur- 
chase titles to land in a Country they never saw, from individ- 
uals of whom they know nothing, and for whose good faith, they 



358 Texas State Historical Association 

have no satisfactory guarantee. Such has heen the case, however, 
and British Settlers have repeatedly complained of having been 
cheated by vendors of Texas land titles in England, which titles 
they found to be utterly worthless when they came to enter upon 
possession. On this point it may be generally laid down that in- 
sulated families ought to abstain from the purchase of lands until 
they arrive in Texas. Under no circumstance, should a foreign 
holder of land titles be treated with, unless he be prepared to 
shew, by unquestionable British references, that his titles are gen- 
uine, and that he is deserving of trust. Even when Emigrants 
reach this Country it is requisite that they should proceed with 
caution and circumspection. They ought to Imsband their means, 
and after carefully examining in what section of the Eepublic 
they are most likely to find the soil best suited to European farm- 
ing, united to the advantages of a Market for produce and the 
retention of health, they ought to journey thither, and, after due 
deliberation, clioose their ground, having a vigilant eye to the 
validity of the title, lest, at the very outset, they fall into the 
abyss of litigation. The vast extent of unoccupied land precludes 
the necessity of a precipitate choice. — Immigrants, if they think 
proper, may remain a year without fixing upon a permanent set- 
tlement, as now, and for some time to come, the use of tillage and 
pasture land may be had, rent free, for that or a still longer period. 

It is needless to expatiate on the unfitness of the old and the 
feeble for distant Colonization. Without adverting to other con- 
siderations, the climate of the South, however, genial and salu- 
brious in certain localities, must, from it's very novelty, be more 
or less trying to weakness and age. The habits of previous life 
ought, besides, to sit lightly on the immigrant, to enable him to 
adapt himself to a sphere of action entirely new — demanding al- 
tered modes of labour, variations in food and clothing, and pre- 
cautions for the preservation of health, which are too apt to be 
regarded by the inexperienced as unnecessary restraints. 

Allowing the amplest latitude consistent with prudence, the 
season of Shipment from Europe, for parties intending to culti- 
vate land in Texas, lies between the first of Augaist and the first 
of February. Persons who look forward to constructing dwellings 
and putting in a seasonable Crop, ough[t] not, in justice to them- 
selves, or to the Countrv, to arrive here later than November. — 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 359 

The earlier the}^ are on the spot, in that Month the better. From 
the first of November to the first of June, there is no danger, 
with ordinary care, of suffering from local diseases, while the 
"colds,'' so productive of indisposition during the English winter, 
are unknown. The interval between JSTovember and Summer is 
calculated to strengthen the fortitude of the stranger, to prepare 
him for tlie Season of continuous heat, — to initiate him in the 
Maxims and usages of the older residents and to make him prac- 
tically acquainted with the most approved plants of house-keeping 
and husbandry. The immigrant who lands at Galveston between 
the first of June and the first of October, perils his health and 
wastes his resources. The Brig "Weser" from Bremen, entered 
this port on the 4th of last July, having Ninety-six emigrants on 
board. The Yellow Fever, introduced from Vera Cruz by the 
United States' War Steamer "Poinsett," had attacked the inhabi- 
tants of the town. — Huddled up wherever they could procure 
lodging, and destitute of suitable attendance, which local charity 
was unable to provide, a large proportion of the newly-arrived 
emigrants died of the disease — an expenditure of human life 
wholy gratuitous — the result of ignorance and misdirection. 

The selection of a healthy Situation for Settlement is a point 
of primary importance, inattention to which has been followed 
by calamitous consequences. 

Immigrants shrewed enough in worldly Matters, but unac- 
quainted with a Southern soil and climate, and the incidents of 
Settlement, so well known on this side of the Atlantic, are apt to 
be tempted by the opportunity of buying, for a comp)aratively 
trifling amount of Money, lands lying on, or near, the borders of 
. a Navigable river. Now, these lands may be really cheap, — even 
in this land-abounding Country — their fertility may not have 
been exaggerated, their pasturage may be unlimited, the wood un- 
failing — they may offer a most desirable investment for the planter 
of sugar and cotton — but, to the unacclimated European, their 
occupation is always perilous and often fatal. Swollen by the 
Autumn and AVinter rains, they overflow their banks — a large ex- 
panse of the exuberant alluvion becomes the bed of their redundant 
waters, which receive constant accessions of rank and decaying 
vegetation — exhalations arise from the Marshy surface — "inter- 
mittents," by repeated assaults, wear down the frame, or the rapid 



360 Texas State Historical Association 

march of Congestive fever subdues the powers of life. — These are 
the dangers — not all unknown in the Northern divisions of this 
Continent — which beset the European who piles his log-house on 
the Margin of a forest-girdled and periodically overflowing river 
of the South, Many a foreign settler, in the United States, as 
well as in Texas, in choosing such an abiding-place, has doomed 
himself to an early grave. 

Caution is too often given in vain to persons unacquainted with 
the effects of careless exposure to the Summer Sun. It is a fre- 
quent cause of sickness, for which, as for disease induced by in- 
temperance, the sufferer has himself to blame. 

Cultivation, drainage, and the clearing of the woods, will doubt- 
less operate favourably on the districts unfriendly to the European 
Constitution, but this is of no moment to the immigrant, who, 
leaving these lands to the cultivators of tropical products, can 
find others far better suited to his native husbandry, in Sections 
of the Eepublic of proved salubrity. — ^With the exception of Gal- 
A^eston. Island, and the more open and elevated tracts bordering 
the Bay of the same name, Europeans, as a general rule, ought not 
to settle, within one hundred and fifty Miles of the Coast, from 
the river Sabine to the river Colorado. But, in no part of the 
Country lying between those two rivers (although not a few of 
them are already resident there) would I recommend my Coun- 
trymen to establish themselves as agriculturists. The West is free 
from debilitating influences, and they should move Westward as 
far as a prudent regard to safety from frontier troubles and 
annoyances will justify. From the river Colorado to the Nueces, 
the insalubrity of the Coast rapidly decreases, until it disappears 
altogether at Corpus Christi. The Irish Colony, planted on the 
Nueces in 1832, was both healthy and prosperous until broken up 
by the revolutionary War. 

Wherever the British immigrants may resolve to abide, they 
ought to bear in mind that the sward they turn up has not been 
cultivated before, that the sim in Texas shines with Southern fer- 
vour, and that, if they are protected from the effects of their com- 
bined influence, they have little to apprehend on the score of 
health. Every climate has some draw back — the North has its 
pulmonary complaints and the South its bilious fevers. 

Notwithstanding the low price of land, the farmer requires 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 361 

capital, and he will have much to struggle against unless he has 
sufficient to enable him to fence, stock and crop his land, and to 
maintain himself until the soil renders its first return — If frugal 
and industrious, and seconded by what Americans might call an 
"available" famil)^, he may venture to start upon two hundred 
pounds, but double that amount would not be too much for pre- 
paratory outlay and incidental wants. A great saving is effected, 
and an inspirating impulse communicated to the Settler's en- 
deavours, in consequence of the abundance of open land, fit for 
tillage, and the free range for stock, which may be enjoyed for 
years. The expense of clearing the forest is a burden from which 
the Texas husbandman escapes. By the richness of the thickly- 
timbered river '^Haottoms" the planter is attracted, and there he 
lays out this fields for the growth of sugar, and cotton. 

Farmers possessing the necessary capital, intelligence and energy 
are the only class to which Texas, as She is, offers the prospect 
of advantageous settlement. A small annual supply of Mechanics 
will, for some time, be sufficient for the demand; — the same may 
be said of Agricultural labourers, unless they [are] attached to 
farming capitalists. The towns will absorb a limited number of 
useful domestic servants, at good wages. A mere subsistence can 
easily be obtained by any person capable of manual labour, and 
not wholly indisposed to exertion. 

In addition to all other considerations, the individual who pro- 
poses to emigrate ought not only to examine whether the Country 
to which he thinks of removing is fitted for him, but whether he 
is fitted for the Country, and for the condition of a Colonist. — If 
he is unable to endure what, in older communities, would be 
deemed privations — if he be wanting in Moral courage^ — if he 
cannot look hopefully to the future, under temporary discourage- 
ment — he ought not to enter upon the life of a Settler in the 
wilderness, however fair and fruitful that wilderness may be. 

The sufferings to which emigrants from Continental Europe 
have been needlessly subjected induces me to observe that it would 
be a worthy and becoming service if their respective Governments 
would supplv their emigrating people with means of precise and 
accurate information, protect them from fraudulent speculators, 
and keep them paternally in view until they had made a lodg- 
ment on their adopted soil. Blighted expectation, sickness and 



362 Texas Siaie Historical Association 

bereavement by death ai'e ]lea^7 and hard to bear among the 
friends and associations of home, but their pressure is increased 
a thousand fold when they are sustained among the unfamiliar 
faces and unwonted scenes of an alien land. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, 1\, T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston, September 9th 1844. 
My Lord, 

I had the honor to address a letter marked "Private" to Your 
Lordship on the 24th Ultimo, conveying intelligence of the death 
of General Howard, the United States' Charge d' Affaires in Texas. 
— This letter I despatched by a small Coasting-vessel, and am 
obliged to send the present by a conveyance to N'ew Orleans. 

I beg leave to enclose, as published in the Government Journal 
at Washington,'^ a copy of a Manifesto transmitted by the Mexican 
Oeneral Woll, to President Houston, with a Copy of the Presi- 
dent's Peply. 

President Houston left the Seat of Government for Eastern 
Texas, on the 7th Ultimo, and was expected by the 17th to reach 
Sabine, which is distant some thirty or forty Miles from the en- 
campment of the United States' troops at Fort Jessup. 

Public attention is fixed upon the Presidential election, which 
commenced and terminated on the 2nd Instant. It would ap- 
pear, by the returns received up to the present date, that the 
election has gone in favour of Mr Anson Jones, the present Sec- 
retary of State. 

The Court Martial appointed to try Commodore Moore closed 
on the 23rd Ultimo, but its decision has not yet been made public. 

Persons in the employment of the Texan Government, and 
generally acquainted with its proceedings allege that the United 
States will continue to protect Texas from Mexican invasion until 
the 4th of next March, when President Tyler's present tenure of 
Office will expire. There is but a trifling difference between this 

T. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 

''The National Vindicator (date missing). 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 363 

alleged term of protection and that I mentioned to Your Lord- 
ship, in my "Private" letter of August 14th. 

According to the last accounts from the South Western fron- 
tier_, there is no indication either of inroad, or invasion, on the 
side of Mexico. The Texan Government seems to be quite confi- 
dent in its means of repulsion, should it he necessary to call them 
forth. 

I had a letter lately from the Attorney General of this Eepub- 
lic, who, under the impression that the state of my health might 
call me to England this Autumn, expressed a desire to travel with 
me, having obtained the President's sanction for his proposed ab- 
sence. He assigns the following, among other reasons, for wish- 
ing to accompany me in the event of my returning home. 

"Yon are well aware of the fact that 1 have, from the begin- 
ning, been most decidedly opposed to the Annexation of Texas to 
the United States. It is my first object to defeat, if possible, the 
consummation of this most obnoxious Measure, so decidedly hos- 
tile, as I conceive it to be, and fraught with such evil conse- 
quences to the ultim^ate prosperity and high destiny of this Coun- 
try. From Your official connexion with the Ministry, you can 
render me important assistance in this Matter, and if I am suc- 
cessful in the accomplishment of this great result, I shall deem it 
the proudest period of my life" 

I have always found Mr Terrell (the Attorney General) con- 
sistent in regard to x4.nnexation. In my reply to him, I stated 
that I did not intend leaving Texas during the present year, but 
that he might command my services for the exposition of his 
views. 

His health, whieh is much impaired, is the immediate plea for 
travel. — He enjoins me to be silent as to his communication, in 
this question — saying — "I do not wish any person beyond the Cab- 
inet to know any thing of my going, and more especially of my 
business." — lie was to be ready for his departure "any time after 
the 20th of September" (the present Month). — I have heard noth- 
ing farther since the transmission of my reply. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



364 Texas State Historical Association 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galvnston, September 23rd. 1844- 
My Lord, 

In a letter which I had the honor to address to Your Lord' 
ship, on the 8th day of May last, I conununicatea xhe following 
information. 

"I have heard, and I believe truly, that General Jackson has 
used all the influence which he possesses with the President of 
this Republic, as his old political and Military leader, to induce 
him to aid in accomplishing the Annexation of Texas to the 
Union." 

That I did not err in giving credit to this Statement will be 
seen by the enclosed printed Copy- of a "Private" letter, ad- 
dressed, on the 16th of February last, by President Houston to 
General Andrew Jackson. A small portion of this letter appeared 
eome time ago in the ISTewspapers of the United States. The 
whole has been recently published in slk Administration Journal 
of Eastern Texas, for the purpose, T believe, of promoting the 
election to the Presidency of Mr Anson Jones, by showing that 
the Government of which he is a Member is in favour of Annex- 
ation Eastern Texas contains a large majority of the popula- 
tion, and the bent of the public mind, in regard to the pre- 
dominant question of the day may- be inferred from the motive 
assigned for this epistolary development. 

A lately published letter ot Mr Clay's seems to indicate that 
he has found it necessary to modify his declared opinions on the 
subject of Annexation. It is impossible that a people so shrewd, 
so land-loving and so anticipatory, as are the people of the United 
States, can fail to perceive the advantages that would accrue to 
them from the acquisition of Texas. The longer the settlement 
of Texan affairs is delayed, the more fixed and g'eneral will be 
their conviction of these advantages. Whatever professions may 
De put forth by American Statesmen of the East, or the West, the 
North, or the South, it ought not to be forgotten that, for forty 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

'A cutting from The Galveston Civilian, September 11, 1844. Hous- 
ton's letter is calendared ^y Garr'son as printed in U, S. Pub. Docs., 444, 
Doc. 2H, p. 110. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 365 

years, the heads of each party have laboured in turn to extend 
the South-Western flank of the Republic towards the Rio Grande. 
It is a Stake worth playing for, and, in the estimation of Gen- 
eral Jackson, even at the cost of War. 

Representations of the probability of Mexican invasion have 
brought to this Port the United States Cutter "Woodbury" previ- 
ously employed in the revenue department, but, at the present, 
commissioned for service here. The "Woodbury" arrived in Gal- 
veston Harbour on the morning of the 20th Instant, and will, it 
is said, remain until relieved by another vessel. After reporting 
the Cutter's arrival, a local jSTewspaper adds : "We also learn 
that there are two Schooners, a Steamer, and a Sloop of War 
lying in the Port of Pensacola, expecting daily to receive orders 
to sail for the Coast of Texas and Mexico." 

It appears by the Texan papers that combinations injurious to 
the public peace have, under the names of "Regulators" and 
"Moderators," disturbed some districts on the North-Eastern 
frontier. It apppears, also, that the authorities have, without 
difSculty, broken up these Combinations, and I only notice the 
matter because of the comparatively large Militia force (amount- 
ing to above Six hundred men) alleged to have been engaged in 
their suppression. This force was concentrated at a place called 
"Shelbyville," close to the United States boundary line, and dis- 
tant about two days' March from Port Jessup. 

Had the project of Annexation been favourable to the interests 
of the traders resident at Corpus Christi, I have good grounds for 
apprehending that United States' troops would, before this time, 
have been camped on the Texan territor}^ If I have not been 
misinformed, it was suggested to the traders that, if they would 
manage to "get up" a pretext for their presence, they would soon 
be forthcoming. 

I have been told that, after the failure of the Treaty of An- 
nexation in the Senate of the United States' Congress, General 
Henderson, the Special Minister of this Republic at Washington, 
recommended President Tyler to take Military possession of Texas. 
This has been conveyed to me from a usually well-inforaied source. 
General Henderson is at present in Eastern Texas, where he 
resides. 



36G Texas State Historical Association 

On the 20tli Instant, Commodore Moore attended a public 
dinner in Galveston, in full uniform, from which and the current 
reports, the fact of his acquittal by the Court Martial may be 
assumed. The sentence will not be made public until the Meet- 
ing of Congress. 

The death of General Howard has left this Country without a 
representative of any Foreign Power. A Mr Barton of Louisiana, 
is mentioned as the probable successor of the late Charge d' 
Affaires of the United States. The "Neiv Orleans Republican" — 
(an Administration Journal) recommends the selection of Mr 
Barton for a Mission "the importance of which cannot be under- 
rated by any Citizen of the United States," — because, "it is pe- 
culiarly fit that the Minister who will be called upon to vindicate 
the rights of this Section of the Union, by watching and frustrat- 
ing English Abolitionism, should be one identified with Southern 
interests." 

Although some returns are still wanting from the outlying 
Counties on Eed River, it is admitted on all sides, that Mr Anson 
Jones has been elected to the Presidency, and by a considerable 
Majority. — Should the Country again retain its independence, 
persons supposed to have an early knowledge of these Matters 
say that General Houston will reappear as a candidate for the 
Presidential Office, after Mr Jones has served his time. Mr 
Jones owes his election to Houston's influence, and to the impres- 
sion, which he has himself countenanced, that he will follow in 
his (Houston's) footsteps. 

The sultry season, which, this year, commenced in May, and 
of which even the Southern born have complained, as being un- 
usually oppressive, is at an end, and the relaxed European frame 
derives renewed vigour from ihe bracing Northern breezes. The 
earth has been prodigal of its returns to the farmer, — want is a 
stranger to the resident population, and nothing is required but 
peace — assured and unshalcen peace — to make "the wilderness 
blossom like the rose." 

„,„,.., , -r- m William Kennedy. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. By a letter from Paris. I learn that Mr. x\shbel Smith 
has announced his intention to return to Texas next Spring. — 
A Paris paper — "La Siftch" — speculates upon Texas being placed 



British Correspondence Concermng Texas 367 

under the "protection" of France, as an arrangement to be de- 
sired.— The point has been noticed by a ^qvt Orleans paper. 

September 26th. 

The Steam Schooner for New Orleans, with characteristic reg- 
ularity still lingers in Port. 

About ten days ago, President Houston was on his way from 
Eastern Texas to the Seat of Government. 

At the Public Dinner given in Galveston, a few days ago, to 
Commodore Moore, the Second Toast from the Chair was.— The 
Annexation of Texas to the United States. 

George Bancroft, the able historian of the United States, and 
at present a Candidate for the office of Governor of the State 
Massaclmssetts, has published a letter in advocacy of Annexation, 
which has been warmly applauded by part of the' Galveston Press' 

W. K. 

KENNEDY TO ADDINGTON^ 

Separate. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston, September 24th. 1844 
Sir, 

I hav-e the honor to enclose a letter addressed to. His Royal 
Highness, Prince Albert,* and sent to me for transmission by M. 
Bourgeau d' Orvanne,^ who accompanied the Prince of Soims,« 
on his visit to this Country. 

M. d' Orvanne, has thought proper to oifer explanations ^dth- 
regard to certain engagements to which he is a party, which ex- 
planations he appears to consider due to Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment.— I, therefore, take leave to submit herewith "a Copy of 
the Communication addressed to me by that gentleman, merely 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

^Not found. 

^Bourgeois d' Orvanne, a French migration agent, who was lar^^elv in- 
struinental m forwarding German emigration to Texas. He appears fre- 
quently m Texan -correspondence with France, and with the Hanse Towns 
Garrison Dvplomahc Correspondence of the ReptMic of Te^as III Tn 
Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 190S, II. " ' 

"An active promoter of German emigration to Texas. He also held the 

Tea, TT ''^ "^ Braunfels and founded the town of NewBaunfes! 

In uncle of'^'o ' ' v^-'^ °^ ''". ^"^'^^'^ ^"^^ ^^ Cumberland who was 
an uncle of Queen Victoria and m 1844 King of Hanover. Garrison, 



368 Texas State Historical Association 

premising that of liis arrangements, or affairs, I know nothing 
beyond the fact that, two or three years ago, he obtained a Con- 
ditional grant of land, for Colonizing from the Government of 
Texas — I had a similar grant — as you Sir, will doubtless remem- 
ber — but my subsequent appointment as Her Majesty's Consul at 
Galveston, led me to doubt the expediency of acting upon it. 
Well acquainted with the jealous disposition of the North Ameri- 
can Republicans, and not ignorant that the best intentions afford 
no sure protection from interested, or malicious misrepresentation, 
I decided on relinquishing my interest in the grant, which I did, — 
retaining no share of its advantages, direct or indirect. 

Subsequent observation has satisfied me that this decision was 
the more convenient one for the public service. Mr Cla;y, in his 
letter on the Texan question, dated 17th of April last, has de- 
clared that he would regard it as the imperative duty of the Gov- 
ernment of the United States to prevent, if necessary by an ap- 
peal to arms, the Colonizing of Texas by any European Nation. 
Without presuming to weigh the intrinsic justice, or practical 
efficacy of this declaration, I could not but perceive that, by a 
very slight exercise of perverted ingenuity and bold asseveration, 
an excitable people might be brought to believe that the private 
enterprize of a foreign Agent had originated in the "Ambitious 
designs" of the Country to which he belonged. 

The never-ending clamour respecting "British influence" and 
"interferance," which is heard in this part of the world, mnst be 
my apology for travelling into personal details 

William Kennedy. 
Henry U. Addington, Esq. 

P. S. 

The Prince of Solms has accompanied President Houston to a 
place appointed for arranging a Treaty with the Comanche Indians. 

W. K. 

ORVANNE TO KENNEDY^ 

[Enclosure] San Antonio de Bexar. 

Copy. 30th. August 1844. 

Dear Sir. 

It is painful to inform you of a fact as unexpected as extra- 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concermng Texas 369 

ordinary. The German Association forgetting the Conditions of 
the Contract entered into between themselves and me, which bound 
us together, has violated the Condition of our joint obligation. 

I would not give you this notice, if, in soliciting the favour of 
the English Government, I had not taken on myself the respon- 
sibility of all the acts of the Association. Now, I am compelled 
to decline this same responsibility 

"Signed" A. S. Borgeau d' Orvanne. 

P. S. 

Be pleased to forward the enclosed letter to His Eoyal High- 
ness Prince Albert. 

[Endorsed.] In Mr Consul Kennedy's letter to Mr. Under Sec- 
retary Addington, marked "Separate" and dated Septr 24th. 
1844. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN'^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

,, ^ -, Galveston, September 30th. 1844. 

My Lord, ' ^ 

Information has been conveyed, by a private channel, from the 
Seat of Government, that the Attorney General (Mr Terrell) of 
whom I wrote to Your Lordship on the 9th Instant, is nominated 
to succeed Mr Ashbel Smith as Charge d' Affaires in England; 
that Major Eeilly,^ who represented this Republic in the United 
States, about two year ago, is to resume his former functions at 
Washington; and that Mr Ashbel Smith is likely to be elected to 
fill the Office of Secretary of State, under the newly chosen Presi- 
dent, Mr Anson Jones. 

Mr Terrell's nomination is considered by those who mention it 
adverse to Annexation. — He came to Texas from Tennessee, . of 
which State General Houston was at one period Governor. — His 
understanding is good, his education he owes mainly to himself, 
and as a public Man he has the reputation of being straightfor- 
ward and sincere. I first met him in the beginning of the year 
1842; and all that I know of his course of Conduct is creditable 
to his judgment and public spirit. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. William Kennedy. 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

'James Keily, Texan charge d' affaires at Washington, D. C, from 
March to August, 1842. 



370 Texas State Historical Association 

P. S. 

By the last accounts from the Seat of Government, it appears 
that President Houston has proceeded towards the Northern fron- 
tier, for the purpose of making a Treaty with the Chiefs of the 
Comanche Indians, long hostile to Texas. 

W. K. 

KENNEDY TO ABEEDEEN^'^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston, October 2d. 1844. 
My Lord, 

The continued delay of the Steam Schooner "Eepublic" enables 
me to add this to the Communications of previous dates which I 
have had the honor to address to Your Lordship. 

General Duff Green,^^ whose nam.e is known in England as an 
American advocate of free trade views, arrived at this place late 
in the evening of the 29th Instant. He left the United States in 
the War Steamer "Union," for the purpose of proceeding, by way 
of Galveston to Vera Cruz, "with despatches from his Government 
to the American Legation in Mexico The "Union" having, it is 
said, sustained some damage in her Machinery, and the weather 
being stormy, General Green was landed at Velasco, at the Mouth 
of the river Brazos, whence he reached Galveston. Soon after his 
arrival, he arranged for proceeding to Vera Cruz, in the United 
States Cutter "Woodbury," which left this Port, with him on 
board, yesterday afternoon. 

On his return from the City of Mexico, General Green is to 
enter upon the duties of United States Consul at Galveston, to 
which office he has been appointed. At the date of his leaving 
Washington, the United States Government were not apprized 
of the death of General Howard, their late Charge d' Affaires in 
Texas. 

Persons professing to speak from authority intimate that the 
Missives of which General Green is the bearer are by no means of 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

''DufF Green, b. 1780 [approx.] d. 1875. Though educated for the law, 
he early became a newspaper writer and proprietor, conducting the ad- 
ministration organ (The United States Telegram) at Washington during 
Jackson's first term. He later became a follower and partisan of Cal- 
houn and was a vigorous advocate of the annexation of Texas. (Apple- 
ton, Cyclopedia of American Biography.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 371 

a conciliatory character towards Mexico. The payment of the por- 
tion of the indemnity owing to the United States will, it is said, 
be strongly urged, nor will the affairs of Texas be forgotten. 

General Duff Green has already tasked his skill as a Newspaper 
writer in sustaining the pretensions of General Burleson to the 
Presidency of Texas, and I am disposed to think that his ability 
as a Journalist, and political Manager have weighed as deeply in 
his appointment to Galveston, as with his desire, or his qualifi- 
cations, for the Consular office. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KEI^^XEDT TO ADDINGTON^- 

Separate. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston., October 24th 1844. 
Sir, 

In reference to my Despatch marked "Separate," and dated the 
24th Ultimo, I have the honor to inform you that the Prince of 
Solms, arrived in Galveston on the 12th Instant. It appeared 
that the account of his having accompanied President Houston 
to the Indian Treaty Ground, was incorrect. It had been his in- 
tention to accompany the President, but the unexpectedly sudden 
departure of the latter prevented him from carrying his intention 
into effect. The Prince is still in Galveston, and I only regret 
that the circumstances of the Country do not enahle me to render 
his stay more agreeable 

As I was inclined to anticipate, I find, on conversing with the 
Prince of Solms, that M. Bourgeois d' Orvanne had no just 
ground of complaint against the German Association. The facts 
seem to stand thus: The German Association, desirous to aid 
emigrants of their Country, arranged with M. Bourgeois d' 
Orvanne to avail themselves, for this purpose, of his grant of 
land from the government of Texas, This grant, as I mentioned 
on the 24th Ultimo, was conditional. To avoid forfeiture, it was 
requisite that a specified number of families should be placed 
upon the lands within a specified time, or the grant itself re- 
newed. The Contractor (M. B. de 0.) having failed to fulfill 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



372 Texas State Historical Association 

either of these conditions, forfeited his grant, and was conse- 
quently unable to execute his part of the arrangements between 
himself and the German Association, who, as the matter presents 
itself to me, are more "sinned against than sinning" 

The Association have arranged to avail themselves of another 
conditional grant, obtained by a Mr, Fisher, and the Prince of 
Solms is in expectation of the early arrival of a portion of the 
German emigrants at Galveston — To plant successfully the first 
body of European Settlers, in the unpeopled region of the "West, 
will be a difficult undertaking — and I fear that the Association 
have been somewhat slow to perceive the character of the Measures 
essential to its success. They have, however, an able and active 
representative in the Prince of Solms, and it is by no means too 
late to retrieve the effects of past miscalculation. Their object is 
every way laudable, and it were a pity that they should not succeed. 

William Kennedy 
Henry U. Addington, Esqr. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Separate. Philadelphia October 28th 1844 

My Lord, 

I have the honor to report that I shall set out to my post be- 
tween the Yth and 10th Proximo, after having passed a few days 
with Mr Pakenham at Washington, to which place I am about 
to proceed on the 1st Proximo. 

I take this occasion to mention to Your Lordship that I have 
received a few private lines from Mr Anson Jones, the Secretary 
of State in Texas, dated on the 24th September, confirming the 
accounts of his success in the late Presidential election in that 
Country. 

May I request that any despatches to my address may once more 
be addressed to the care of Her Majesty's Consul at N'ew Orleans. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Right Honorable, 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T., 
Downing Street. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 373 

KENNEDY TO AEERDEEN^* 

No 26. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston, October 29th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose two copies of a Return of Charges 
on British Vessels, at the Port of Galveston, in accordance with 
the terms of Your Lordship's Circular Despatch, dated June 13th 
1844, and received by me on the 21st Instant. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

No. 1^^ 

A Return Of all the Tolls, Dues, Fees and other Charges imposed 

by Public Authority on British Shipping, in the Port 

of Galveston, Bepublic of Texas. 

Custom House Charges 

Tonnage Duty. Sixty cents per ton, according to registered 
Tonnage. 

Entrance. For every Ship-, or Vessel, of less than One Hun- 
dred tons burthen — One dollar and a half — For each Ship or 
Vessel, of one hundred tons and upwards — Two dollars and a half. 

Clearance. The same fees as for entrances. 

Post Entries. For each post entry, two dollars. 

Permits Permit to land goods — twenty Cents; to load goods 
for exportation, that may be entitled to debenture, or other official 
certificate — ^twenty cents. 

Any Bond taken officially Forty Cents. 

For every document required by any Merchant, owner, or Ship- 
master, not before enumerated — Twenty cents. 

Pilotage 

The rates of Pilotage at Galveston are regulated by Act of 
Congress : 

On all vessels drawing less than eight feet water. Two dollars 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 
"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



374 Texas State Historical Association 

Fifty Cents per foot — On all vessels drawing eight feet water and 
more Three dollars per foot. 

Pilots detained waiting on vessels, bound for Sea, or vessels pre- 
vented from entering Port, by contrary winds, or otherwise, are 
entitled to Three dollars a day, for each day's detention, after the 
first four and twenty hours. 

Any Pilot taking charge of a vessel in distress, from the loss 
of anchors, spars or rudder, will be entitled to such compensation, 
as the Collector of Customs, under the circumstances of the case, 
may think proper to award. 

Any Pilot speaking a vessel inward bound outside the Bar, or a 
vessel outward bound inside the Bar, and offering his services, will 
be entitled to full pilotage, whether his services be accepted or not 

Any Pilot speaking a vessel inward bound inside the Bar, is en- 
titled, if employed to half pilotage: — if not employed he is en- 
titled to no pilotage. 

Any Pilot speaking a vessel fifteen miles from Shore, is entitled 
to twenty-five per Cent, more than the regular rates of off shore 
pilotage. 

Any vessel after waiting outside the Bar for four hours, with a 
Signal for a Pilot flying, may enter the Port free from pilotage 
charges. 

Charges under the Galveston incorporation Acts and City Ordi- 
nances 

Passenger Tax. For the purpose of establishing and maintain- 
ing a public Hospital, the Mayor and Aldermen of Galveston are 
empowered to exact from the Master, Owner, or Consignee of any 
vessel, steam boat, or other craft, arriving from a Foreign Port, 
the Sum of One dollar for every free White passenger. 

Harhour Master. The Harbour Master is entitled to receive 
one Cent and a half per ton, according to registered tonnage. 

Port Wardens. Scale of Port Wardens' Fees : Survey of dam- 
aged goods — Five dollars per diem. Survey of hatches — Two dol- 
krs. Survey of Stowage — Two dollars. Copying Certificates — 
One dollar each Copy. 

Ten dollars per diem for all services rendered beyond tlie City 
limits, with payment of travelling expences. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 375 

Vouchers 

Vouchers are given for all charges on Shipping at the Port of 
Galveston. 

No 2. 

An Account of all the Charges which are levied on British Ves- 
sels at Galveston, and which are not levied on Vessels under 
the Texan Flag, together with a Statement of any Com- 
mercio2, fiscal, or other advantages, enjoyed hy Texan 
Vessels from which British Vessels are excluded. 

Coasting Trade 

The privilege of the Coasting Trade, with freedom from Ton- 
nage duties, is, by a recent Act of Congress, granted exclusively 
to vessels bearing the Texan Flag. This is the only advantage 
possessed by such Vessels over British Ships. 

William Kennedy. 
Galveston 

October 29th 1844. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston, October 30th 1844. 
My Lord, 

In a Communication dated the 2d Inst I had the honor, to in- 
form Your Lordship of the arrival of General Duff Green at Gal- 
veston, his appointment as Consul at this Port, and departure for 
Vera Cruz, in the United States Cutter "Woodbury." General 
Green has not returned, nor has a Charge d' Affaires from the 
United States yet arrived in Texas to fill the vacancy created by 
the death of General Howard. Mr Donaldson, a relative of Gen- 
eral Jackson, is, according to confident rumor, to fill the Office. 

The Annexation papers, in this part of the Country, are cen- 
suring the appointment of Judge Terrell as Minister to England, 
although the appointment has not, up to this time, been publicly 
announced. They complain that he will misrepresent the popu- 
lar sentiment in regard to their favourite Measure 
"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



376 Texas State Historical Association 

President Houston returned to the Seat of Government on the 
15th Instant, from the Waco Village, where he met the heads of 
the Comanche and other Indian Tribes, for the purpose of form- 
ing a treaty. — Captain Boon," of the United. States Army, at- 
tended as a Commissioner from his Government. The Texan 
papers say that a satisfactory Treaty has been concluded between 
Texas, and. the Comanches, with "ten other of the wild Indian 
Tribes." The President was to leave the Seat of Government on 
the 91st Instant, to join his family on the river Trinity 

The "Galveston Civilian". — the Government paper, which is 
usually considered an authority for official intelligence, states that 
Lieut. Stevens, of the United States Army, arrived at Washing- 
ton (Texas) on the 12th Instant, bearing despatches from Wash- 
ington in the ITnited. States, "represented to be of a character 
favourable to Texas." 

Some of the Texan prisoners released by the Mexican Govern- 
ment have arrived at Galveston. 

According to recent accounts from the West, all is quiet on the 
Eio Grande. — And a Mexican invasion is no longer to be appre- 
hended. The people of the departments bordering upon Texas, 
are, it is said, much more desirous of Commercial intercourse 
than War 

Mr Anson Jones had a Majority of about fifteen hundred votes 
over General Burleson, at the late election for the Presidency 
Until the result of the Presidential election in the United States 
is known here, there is likely to be a pause in political agitation. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. 

The Brig "Rover" by which I transmitted a letter marked 
"Private" and dated the 9th Ultimo, was, I find, thirty two days 
in reaching New Orleans. 

W. K. 

"Captain Boone, United States commissioner to the Indians in 1844. 
Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, II, 310, 
in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 377 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^® 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston, November 12th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

Major Donaldson, whose probable appointment to the Office of 
Charge d' Affaires of the United States in Texas, I mentioned in 
a Communication which T had the honor to address to Your Lord- 
ship on the 30th Ultimo, arrived in Galveston on the 10th in- 
stant. — In the hurry of his departure for this Country, he has 
found it necessary to await the transmission of the documents 
which usually accompany an Officer of his Class. — At this place, 
I liave had an opportunity of conversing with him, and, so far as 
tliat opportunity presented grounds for an opinion, he seemed to 
be a person, well adapted to promote the main object of his Mis- 
sion among the people of Texas. His solicitude for "Annexa- 
tion" is, I understand, quite as lively as might be anticipated 
from a Nephew of General Andrew Jackson. 

The only intelligence that has transpired respecting General 
Duff Green and his movements, since he sailed from Galveston, is 
in a paragraph of the "Pensacola Gazette," which mentions that — 
"the United States Brig of War "Lawrence," sailed from Pensa- 
cola on the 13th Ulto for Vera Cruz, to await the return of Gen- 
eral Duff Green from the City of Mexico, and should he have 
despatches — to convey him, or them, to any port of the United 
States which may he designated." 

All the Texan prisoners in Mexico have been liberated with 
the exception of one — of Mexican origin — and the greater part 
of them arrived at this Port, from New Orleans, on the 10th 
Instant. 

If my memory deceive me not, during an interview with 
which I was honored by Your Lordship about two years ago, I 
adverted to the circumstance of Don Manuel Godoy (el Principe 
de la Paz^^) being resident in Paris, where I understood he sub- 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 

^'Godoy, b. at Badajoz, 1764, d. at Paris, 1851. He was a Spanish 
nobleman of inferior rank, who under Charles IV of Spain, held almost 
supreme power from 1792 to 1807. A fictitious genealogy fabricated for 
Godoy when at the height of his power, made him a descendant of INIonte- 
zuma. After Napoleon I seized Spain, Godoy's part in Spanish affairs 



378 Texas State Historical Association 

sisted on a small pension, allowed him by His Majesty the King 
of the French. — It appears by the Spanish Journals, that the 
exile, in his Seventy Seventh 3^ear, has returned to Madrid, and 
the credit of his restoration is claimed here for M. de Saligny, 
French Charge de Affaires in Texas. The matter attracts notice, 
as it has been alleged that the "Province of Texas," previous to 
the year 1804, was ceded to Don Manuel by Charles IV. 

President Houston will remain with his family on the Trinity 
until the last of this Month — about which time Mr. Ashbel Smith, 
who has been offered the appointment of Secretary of State, is 
expected to arrive from Europe. 

It is said that Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires, and the Charge 
d' Affairs of France will soon return to their posts. I trust I 
shall be pardoned for saying that their residence at the Seat of 
Government, at least during the approaching Legislative Session, 
will 1)6 highly desirahle. I am instructed to believe that it had 
been better, as regards the question of Annexation, if they could 
have been at Washington, between the close of the Presidential 
-Election and the Meeting of the Texan Congress. Mr Anson 
Jones, Secretary of State, and President elect, writing to me, on 
the 2d Instant, observes. — "I am truly sorry your Government 
have not an accredited Minister here, at this time." 

By a letter from a trust-worthy Correspondent, dated. New Or- 
leans, October 24th, I am informed that," — large quantities of 
Military Stores, Waggons, etc., were being forwarded, by the Gov- 
ernment of the United States, to the Texan frontier on the Eed 
River." The writer surmises these preparations — " to be intended 
to counteract Mexican movements." 

It is a standing assumption of the leading advocates of An- 
nexation that the British Government, in their prudential anxiety 
for peace, will make no determined stand against the Measure. 

Mr. Terrell (late Attorney General) whose name, as an op- 
ponent of Annexation, I have brought under Your Lordship's 
Notice, in various Communications, — commencing as early as the 
31st of May last, — is at present in Galveston, waiting the de- 
parture of the Steamer for New Orleans. He is instructed to 
proceed as expeditiously as the state of his health will permit, to 

ended. He lived in Paris from 1835 until his death. Michaud, Biographie 

Vnivcrsclle. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 379 

Europe, where he is to undertake the duties hitherto executed hy 
Mr Ashbel Smith. To what I have already said of him. I think 
it necessary only to add that possessing, as I believe he does, a 
becoming sense of self respect, he is a modest and unobtrusive 
Man, and, in harmony with that character, will, I doubt not, feel 
all the more a.cutely the gratefulness of the considerate courtesy 
which Your Lordship, notwithstanding the anomalies of Texan 
politics, is sure to extend to him. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Separate. Philadelphia, November 13th 1844 

My Lord, 

Previously to my departure to my post I should mention to 
Your Lordship that I have recently visited Mr. Pakenham; and 
pending further Commands I shall of course guide myself in the 
spirit of the Instructions which he has done me the honor to 
impart to me. I proceed tomorrow, and I have the honor to be. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Eight Honorable, 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN"^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston, December 5th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

On the 28th Ultimo, the United States Schooner "Woodbury" 
arrived at this Port, from Vera Cruz, having on board General 
Duff Green, with despatches for the United States Charge d' 
Affaires to this Country, and his son, Mr. Benjamin E. Green, 
Secretary of the Amei'ican Legation at Mexico, also with de- 
spatches for his own Government. The latter left Galveston for 
New Orleans, by the Steam packet of the 30th ultimo, — the former 
proceeded, on the 3d Instant, to the Seat of Government at Wash- 

="'F. 0., Texas, Vol, 9. 
=^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



380 Texas State Historical Association 

ington on the Brazos, where he &till remains, — ^having appointed a 
Yice-Consul to transact his oflficial business at this place. 

On his arrival at Galveston, General Duff Green communicated 
to the local Journals an abstract of Mexican news, including, 
among otlier Matters, an announcement that it was the purpose 
of Mexico — ''to exterminate the present inhabitants of Texas, 
without regard to age, sex, or condition" — for the reason that — 
"Mexico sees in the conduct of the Governments of Presidents 
Jackson and Tyler, and the Southern people of the United States, 
cause to apprehend still further encroachments on its territory."^^ 

I have learned, from competent sources, that it will not be 
owing to General Green's endeavours as a peace-maker if events 
do not justify the alleged apprehensions of Mexico. — He has 
urged m.ore than one Member of the Texan Congress, during his 
sojourn at Galveston, to declare for the invasion of Mexico — 
with the view that further territorial aggrandizement, — (even it 
is said. Southward and Westward of the Eio Grande), — should 
accompany the Annexation of Texas to the Confederacy of the 
North. — Before the "espousals" are perfected, it is desired that 
the bride should bring a still more ample dowry. Nor does it 
seem likely that the affianced will be backward in supplying need- 
ful aid for the accomplishment of this provident object. A Cor- 
respondent on whom I can rely thus addresses me from a locality 
in the United States favourable to apposite observation. 

— "Be assured that no child's play operations are at hand. The 
present moment demands all the devotion and energy of British 
Servants in this quarter. The accumulation of Military Stores 
on your frontier still goes on. And Arms, Ammunition, Camp 
equipage and Ordnance Stores for ten thousand men have al- 
ready reached Fort Jessup. Mr Calhoun and his party, or sec- 
tion of a party, would prefer war with England to the non-ac- 
quisition of Texas, and, to precipitate that calamity upon the 
United States, or to commit some iniquitous overt act, from which 

"In fact, however, Santa Anna in November, 1844, had announced to 
Great Britain the conditions upon which he would recognize Texan in- 
dependence, had asked British aid, and promised that all preparations 
for attacking Texas should be suspended. F. O., Mexico, 177. Bankhead 
to Aberdeen, No. 102, November 29, 1844. For text of Santa Anna's 
proposal, as translated by Bankhead, see Adams, British Interests and 
Activities in Texas, 188. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 381 

the pride of the people would be unwilling to recede, is, in my 
opinion the end and aim of the present Administration." 

The same Correspondent further remarks — "Texas, it is now 
sufficiently apparent, is the Key to Mexico, and the fall of the 
latter and its subjugation by these States are talked of here in a 
way not to be misunderstood by any but those who are too wise 
in their own conceit to derive instruction from what is passing 
around them." 

A follower of Mr Calhoun's, General Hamilton, formerly of 
South Carolina and of some political note, especially as a fervid 
professor of Free Trade opinions — has published a letter addressed 
to Mr Webster, in which he sets forth reasons why the New Eng- 
land and Middle vStates should favour the Annexation of Texas 
to the Union. — He confines himself to the argumentum ad 
crumenam, which he winds up by a hint that the South might 
not be indisposed, in return for Northern concurrence, in its 
Texan views — to adopt an Anti-European Tariff. In his appeal 
to the Manufacturing heart of Massachussetts, General Hamilton 
parades with all the emphasis of typography the vulgar metaphor 
for unreasoning avarice." 

"After all, Mr Webster" inquires the General — "What, in the 
vast advent of ages is the privilege to our Government of plant- 
ing its Custom House in Texas, and hoisting on its flagstaff the 
Close fist of our American System, and excluding Great Britain 
from all Competition?" — 

The American imagination eagerly anticipates the day, pre- 
dicted by Humboldt, when the products of European industry 
should be excluded from this Continent. — It takes at times even 
a more self-exalting range, and, by means of Settlements on the 
North Western Shores of the Pacific, dreams of creating a com- 
mercial dominion in India and China. I should not be surprised 
if American Missionaries were to prove as willing instruments of 
National aggrandizement as the Missionaries of France are ap- 
parently expected to be by many of their secular patrons. 

A work worthy of the scientific munificence of France, lately 
published in Paris, seems entitled to particular notice at the 
present Juncture. The title of the work is "Exploration du Ter- 
ritoire de L' Oregon, de Calif ornies et de la Mer Yermeille" : — 
it was executed during the Years 1840, 1841 and 1842, by M. 



382 Texas State Histoncal Association 

Dufiot de Mofras,^'' an Attache of the Legation of France in 
Mexico, and has been published by order of the King, under the 
auspices of the President of the Council, and the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. Were other evidences wanting, it would indi- 
cate that the French Government is not indifferent to the destinies 
of this Continent, although there are well-informed Americans 
in this quarter quick to allege that His Majesty the King of the 
French has declared that there will be no interference, as regards 
the question of Annexation, on the Part of the Power of which 
he is the Executive head. M. de Mofras has been so kind as to 
transmit to me a copy of his work, and I have observed that the 
]\Tarquesas and Tahiti seem to be laid down on one of his bril- 
liant Charts not merely as convenient touching-points for Whalers, 
but a "Stepping-Stones" to China. 

It appears to me that the question of Annexation will be gi-ad- 
uated in its progress by the relations of parties in the United 
States. It may, on the one hand, be assumed that Mr. Tyler is 
anxious to draw from it all the political capital it is capable of 
bringing to an advocate of the Measure, — and, on the other hand, 
that the JSTorthern Section of the democratic voters for Mr. Polk 
will be not less anxious to secure that Capital than their own 
Man and their own party. As Matters now stand, the strength 
lies with the latter, and the only opening left to Mr Tyler, i^ 
apparently some audacious and unexpected Move — Such as wai- 
with Mexico — Ihat would produce an embarrassment of affairs, 
and leave warm work and divided laurels for his successor. 

The Polk party, or rather the Jackson party, are in the ascend- 
ent here, as well as in the United States, — the New President, 
Mr Anson Jones, owing his election almost entirely to the sup- 
port of General Houston. The present United States', Charge d' 
Affaires in Texas is General Jackson's Nephew, and the particu- 
lar friend of Mr Polk. — General Duff Green may be designated 
the representative of Mr. Tyler — while the latter exhorts the 
Texans to instant invasion of Mexico, the former probably con- 
tents himself Math concerting Measures of united action between 
this and the Northern Republic, to be carried into effect after Mr 

-■''Duflot de IMofras. His book is that of a traveller and observer, and 
such ideas of French action as are presented are wholly directed to the 
expansion of French interests in the Pacific. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 383 

Polk's induction to^ the Presidential Office, on the 4th of March 
next. 

Major Donaldson (United States Charge d' Affaires to Texas) 
arrived at the Seat of Government on the 21st ultimo. — On the' 
29th he delivered his letter of credence to the Secretary of State, 
and, on the same day, was presented, in his official capacity, to 
the (then) President — Complimentary speeches were exchanged 
on each of these occasions, Generals Jackson and Houston were 
respectively lauded, and Annexation was insinuated in the lan- 
guage of bland allusion. I quote a sentence from the published 
reply of Mr Anson Jones — which commands notice from the 
Speaker's position as President Elect. He refers to the assur- 
ances given by Major Donaldson of "the Sincere desire of the 
President of the United States to improve and render stable the 
good understanding now existing between the two Eepublics." 

"The sameness of the origin and interests of the two Countries 
by which you have so kindly alluded" — (said Mr Jones) — "has 
led the people of this, on all occasions, to desire the maintenance 
of the most friendly relations; and if the hope which they have 
sometimes indulged, that these considerations might lead to the 
accomplishment of a common destiny, should be disappointed, I 
trust they will not be lost in their influences upon either Country, 
in the preservation of those paramount principles which they hold 
in common keeping." 

The Congress of Texas, called upon by law to assemble on the 
2d Instant, was duly organized on the 3d. — The retiring Presi- 
dent (Tfouston) sent in a Message on the 4th, which is chiefly 
remarkable for the quietude with which it passes by the topic of 
Annexation. Of this Message T shall have the honor to enclose 
a copy. 

On Monday the 9th Instant Mr Anson Jones is to enter upon 
the discharge of his duties as President. 

Galveston. December 16th. 
On the 6th Instant. Her Majesty's Ship "Spartan" Commanded 
by the Hon. Charles Elliot, appeared off this Port, and on the 
following day, Her Majest3''s Charge d' Affaires to this Eepublic, 
who was on board the "Spartan" came ashore. He remained at 
Galveston until the 12th, when he left for Washington on the 



384 Texas State Historical Association 

Brazos, wl)ich he would probably reach about the 20th Instant. 
In consequence of the return of Tier Majesty's Charge d' Affaires, 
this Correspondence, which was commenced by me, under instruc- 
tion, on the 31st of May last, will terminate with the present 
letter. 

The United States Schooner "Woodbury," remained in the 
Harbour until the 11th Instant, on which day a vessel, under- 
stood to be the United States Sloop of War "Falmouth," appeared 
off the Bar, and made signal to the "Woodbury" to join her, 
which she did, and the two vessels put out to Sea in company. 
The Lieutenant in Command of the "Woodbury," when in port, 
spoke of Annexation as inevitable, and said that, ^\dthin two 
Months, the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa would be occupied by 
troops of the United States. — I mention this only as an addi- 
tional indication that President Tyler is for War with Mexico. 
Mr Tyler's Annual Message has not yet reached Galveston. 

On the 14th Instant, a vessel (the second this season) arrived 
from Bremen, conveying German Emigrants for the Colony which 
the Prince of Solms is engaged in settling in Western Texas. 
The emigrants appear to possess the proper requisites for life in 

Galveston, December 18th 
.'Vnother vessel, with settlers for the Colony of the German Asso- 
ciation, appeared in the Eoads on yesterday. 

I enclose a copy of the late President's Message, and a copy 
of the Inaugitral Address delivered by President Jones. In 
neither of these documents is the word "Annexation" to be 
found.'* 

There is one aspect of affairs which (if I may presume to offer 
an opinion) may render Texas too important a point to be lightly 
regarded in the progi*ess of diplomatic arrangements. — The United 
States may have gone so far in respect to Annexation as to be 
unwilling to bear Avhat might be deemed the humiliation of re- 
treat. This possible obstacle to the adoption of more moderate 
Councils would be removed by the refusal of Texas to negotiate 
farther for incorporation into the Union. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, X. T. ^^^1^^™ Kennedy. 

^^Printed copies of Houston's message, December 4, 1844, and Jones' 
inaugural address, December 9, 1844. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 385 

P. S. Galveston Deer. 21st. 

I have the honor to enclose a cop} of President Tlonston's Fare- 
well Address/-^ which has just come to hand. 

A public Meeting in favour of "Annexation" was held in Mata- 
gorda County on the 7th Inst. The "opposition'' papers urge 
other Counties to follow example. 

Major Donaldson, United States Charge d' Affaires, arrived 
here on yesterdajr from the Seat of Government and leaves today 
in the Steamer for New Orleans. General DufE Green remains at 
Washington on the Brazos. 

W. K. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN"^ 

Private. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston, December 6th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose to Your Lordship a copy of a com- 
munication forwarded to me on the 3rd Instant, by the Prince of 
Solms, at present in this Country, with a copy of my reply to that 
communication, bearing this day's date. 

I have had opportunities of knowing that the Prince of Solms, 
is an acute observer of passing events, and of recognizing fitness 
for the arduous enterprize of planting European Settlements in 
the wastes of Texas. 

In despatch No. 21 of this years series, dated 9th September, 
and addressed to Your Lordship, I bore favourable testimony to 
the character of German emigration to this Country. Still 
greater success may be anticipated for that emigration when con- 
ducted under the auspices of so respectable and enlightened a 
body as the German Association represented by the Prince of 
Solms. Their first company of Colonists, which arrived here 
lately, from Bremen, in the Ship "John Dethard," is composed of 
persons that would be a Valuable acquisition to any Country where 
extensive tracts of unoccupied land solicit the labours of the hus- 
bandman. To the introduction of such Colonists, on however 
large a scale, no sensible friend of independent Texas would, I 
conceive, offer any obstacle. 

"Printed copy of Houston's farewell address, December 9, 1844. 
^'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



386 Texas State HistoricaJ Association 

The lands appropriated for the German Colonization lie towards 
the "West, and are exposed to the troubles of that Frontier. For 
this reason, — and without looking to the very serious contingency 
alluded to by the Prince of Solras, — it is desirable that the Set- 
tlers should be well armed and equipped. In the absence of due 
provision against aggression, a single Indian inroad might break 
up the first establishments, and affect disastrously the entire plan 
of the Association. 

The Prince of Solms is in expectation of the early arrival of 
three additional A'essels, bringing emigrants from Germany. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

I'RINCE OF SOLMS TO KENNEDY^'' 

Copy. On board the Texan Revenue Cutter 

"Alert," Galveston Bay, Deer 3d. 1844 
Dear and Honoured Sir. 

I am hardly on board this vessel and under sail for Matagorda 
Pass, before I take the pen to express to you the regret I feel 
that our last conversation, before my hasty departure, could only 
be so short a one. 

The more I think of what General Duff Green, the United 
States Consul, expressed to me this morning, during the long 
\dsit with which he honoured me, the more important I think it, 
that you, dear Sir, as the only representative of Her Britannick 
Majesty in this country at the moment, should have every possible 
knowledge of what at present is going on. 

I am too well acquainted with your activity in Her Majesty's 
Service, to suppose that I can tell you any thing you had not 
heard and appreciated long before, but I think it always good 
(in important matters) to hear even the same thing from dif- 
ferent people, and in all different ways; you are by that the more 
able to make some new discovery, or to look at a question on a 
side you might not have remarked before. Let me then. Dear 
Sir, give you a report of what General Duff Green was kind 
enough to communicate to mo this morning. 

General Green began by praising the enterprize of Colonization 

^'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 387 

which brought me to this country, and even called it a laudable 
one. This was the first thing that made me infer that the noble 
General is as tnie a Yankee as any one living, because I am fully 
convinced that lie wishes me and my good German Emigrants 
any where else than in this country. He then proceeded with 
some flattering remarks about my own humble person, which 
were shot off to make me sure of his good intentions towards me 
and my native country. The next thing he tried was to get out 
of me my opinion about "Annexation." — My answer was that I 
had heard a great deal about Annexation, and that I really could 
not tell what might be the result; but that I remembered having 
heard, before I left Europe, that this could be a case of war be- 
tween the European power and the United States. — On that point, 
he told me, I was mistaken, because the United States had re- 
ceived notice from Enmce, that this Power would not interfere 
at all in the question.— The General now began to speak about 
the existing state of affairs in Mexico', expressing his belief that 
Santa Anna was strong enough to overpower the recent attempt 
at Eevolution, but that, whichever party proved victorious, Mex- 
ico was pledged to invade Texas, — to make it a desert, and to 
exterminate the inhabitants, men, women, and children; not 
even sparing the child in the mother's womb ! — As the noble Gen- 
eral saw me smiling at the eccentric idea, he stopped to enquire 
what I believed of this matter. Forbidden, of course, by polite- 
ness, from replying — "nothing" ! — I contented myself by inti- 
mating a modest doubt that such a thing could be done in our 
days — it being what the French call, — "hors de saison." — The 
General, however, assured me that his statements were exactly 
true, and declared his intention to proceed himself, this day, to 
Washington on the Brazos, to communicate the same to the gen- 
tlemen now assembled in Congress. 

General Green next urged me to open a correspondence with 
the Russian Consul at Matamoros, for the purpose of being al- 
ways "au fait" of the movements of the Mexican army and fleet. 
The General must have made extraordinary discoveries, as he gave 
me even the details of the plan of invasion which Santa Anna 
will follow, for the purpose of "extirmating" the Texan women 
and children. — One part of the army is to enter by the Eio 
Grande, steam-boats, with supplies, following the same along the 



388 Texas State Historical Association 

line of coast; a plan which would leave all the force of this eour.- 
Iry assembled on their flank. The second part of the Mexican 
ar7ny is to land at Galveston, and proceed, by way of Houston, to 
the interior. The deduction drawn by General Green from all 
tiiis is that (the hostile intentions of Mexico being known) Texas 
ought at once, to take up the game, and carry the war — the sooner 
the better — into the enemies' Country. 

The noble General was now so kind as to ask my opinion on 
all this. I answered that, under these circumstances, an in- 
vasion of Mexico would be a very natural step, but that I did 
not quite perceive from what source Texas would draw the means 
to undertake the war. He told me this, — the General said— he 
was not authorized, but he asked me whether the United States, 
so closely connected with Texas, would ever permit such a thing 
as extermination to be carried into effect; if they did permit it; 
it would throw everlasting shame upon their policy. What (he 
inquired) — would Germany do in a similar case — would it allow 
brothers and sons to be exterminated — would I suffer the Emi- 
gj'ants who had come out for me to be treated in this way? The 
conclusion drawn by General Green was that the war against 
Mexico ought to begin as early as possible, and that it was his 
duty to urge the people of this country to it — showing them the 
prospect that awaited them and their families. 

General Green inquired when I should be at AYashington on 
the Brazos, — because he would have further to communicate to 
me about the defence of Western Texas, as I was going to set- 
tle my Emigrants in that part. He -^ras very anxious to get my 
opinion about the whole of his long talk, which I gave him in 
the few vi^ords that — , in the event of war, — I considered those 
sums of money which I had already expended, and those which 
I might expend, up to that time — as utterly lost. 

"Well," — said he — "that is just the impression I wished to take 
from you, and I beg and request of you to write to your friends 
in Germany not to be at all alarmed about it, because this war is 
a necessary crisis — nothing will be lost, and just exactly after the 
war you will go on the safer." 

— So far the conversation with the noble General, who wanted — 
"de me tirer les vers par le nez." 

Now, my dear Sir, take the abundant quantity of nonsense 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 389 

and humbug off from this conversation, and what does it amount 
to? — That General Duff Green who, if I am not mistaken, is on 
an express Mission to this Conntry, pushes, and urges, the people 
of Texas to war, promising every aid of money, or troops, from 
the United States, for the sake of "Annexation" ; for if the United 
States' troops are once within this territory, they will certainly 
not leave it voluntarily. — And may not the United States Gov- 
ernment deem the present moment of internal difficulties in Mex- 
ico favourable for extending the boundaries even beyond the Eio 
Grande, and securing in this way, the whole trade of the Gulf? — 
I believe, dear Sir, that with our knowledge of Yankee character 
and head, we may indeed have reason for apprehension. 

I am, — as you, dear Mr Kennedy, know; far from presuming 
to advise any political measures, but as you also know the especial 
interest which I feel in the welfare of Her Majesty, Your Most 
Gracious Queen, and the British Empire, you will excuse me if 
I ask you to take the following suggestions and observations into 
particular consideration, and to state, in your next despatches 
home, what of these you have found worthy of being mentioned. 

I believe there is no doubt of the importance of this Country 
for the trade on the Gulf, and the United States, once in posses- 
sion of it, will decidedly command the whole commerce upon 
those waters. The Rio Grande as the frontier between the United 
States and Mexico, will not long prevent the "go-a-head Yankee 
nation" from trying to possess the rich Mines of Chichuahua, if, 
as I before observed, the Government of the United States do 
not consider the present moment the most favourable for making 
the attempt. Knowing the character of the Americans, and their 
contempt of every European Power, one cannot be surprised at 
any mad, or desperate thing that may come on. Whether the 
design indicated happen in a few months, or in a few years, can 
it be indifferent to England, — nay to any European Nation? — 
And if not, how can it be prevented? 

It appears to me that there is a very obvious step to be taken, — 
and that is to till this Country, and especially the Western part 
of it, as soon as possible, with a large number of Europeans. And 
how can this be easily accomplished ? — I am disposed to believe 
that the Association for Protecting German Emigrants in Texas 
could be of great use in the matter. 



390 Texa!^ State Historical Association 

Should the enlightened Government of Her Majest}'- the Queen 
approve the idea, it would be easy to make some arrangement 
with the Direction of the said Association, and send, even by 
the end of next Spring, some twenty, or thirty, thousand indi- 
viduals, well armed and equipped, to this Country. This number 
of men could be got in German}', which suffers from a redundant 
population, that causes three times the amount to leave their 
native shore annually for the United States. English and Ger- 
man ships could csLTTv them to this Countr}', — able and active 
young officers, of every arm, would accompany them. English 
arms — (by the testimony of every English officer, who served in 
the wars of the Peninsula) — were effective weapons in the hands 
of the German soldiers of the Legion. They would do as well to 
stop American encroachment towards the South. In fact, this 
force once established, I may pledge my word for the safety of the 
future, on this side. 

At the present moment, the Gemian Association has a right 
to introduce as many Emigrants into Texas as they are able to 
transport, and so large a number, promptly established, who will 
dare to drive them out? This is the moment for doing it, might 
it seem so to you — might Her Majesty's Ministers, if you think 
these ideas worthy of being transmitted to the other side of the 
Atlantic; see the real truth, and believe what I state from what 
we daily hear and see. 

And so I send you this long letter, and suggest these thoughts 
to you, my dear Mr Kennedy. — My intentions, in placing all this 
before you, is a pure one; it is to serve my native country, as 
well as Great Britain — that noble Empire, always so nearly and 
faithfully allied with Germany, and, to show my zeal and solici- 
tude for the service of your Most Gracious Queen, on whom may 
God bestow his richest blessings ! 

(Signed) Charles Prince of Solms. 

William Kennedy, Esqr. 

Her Britannick Majesty's Consul, 
Galveston. 

[Endorsed]. ISTo. 1. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch marked 
"Private" of December 6th. 18-14. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 391 

KENNEDY TO PRINCE OF SOLMS"^ 

[Enclosure.]. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Copy. Galveston December 6th. 1844. 

Dear Prince Charles, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your interesting 
communication, dated the 3rd Instant. 

It will aflFord me great pleasure to be the medium of submit- 
ting the suggestions contained in your letter to the consideration 
of Her Majesty's Governinent. — As an officer of that Government, 
I beg to tender my respectful acknowledgments of the friendly 
sentiments you have expressed towards the British Crown — Ger- 
many and England, as you remark, have always been "nearly and 
faithfully allied," and who can doubt the permanence of an alli- 
ance wliose basis has been, not merely a common interest, but 
harmony of a national character and reciprocal good faith? 

Permit me to add that I very sensibly appreciate your obliging 
expressions with regard to myself. 

William Kennedy. 
To. H. S. H. 

Charles Prince of Solms. 
[Endorsed.] ISTo. 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch Marked 

—"Private" of December 6th 1844. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN-" 

No 15. Galveston December 10th. 1844. 

My Lord, 

I have the honour to report my arrival at this place on the 7th 
Instant in Hpr Majesty's Ship "Spartan" (sailed on the same day 
to Vera Cruz) and I shall proceed by the first opportunity to 
Washington. 

The new" President IMr. Anson Jones, will have been inaugu- 
rated yesterday, and I have no reason to think that there will be 
any material difference between the language of his communi- 
cations to Congress, having any reference to annexation, and 
that of General Houston. The temper and turn of events in 
that Assembly cannot be spoken of, in the same way. Indeed it 

='F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 
='F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 



393 Texas State Historical Association 

must be superfluous to repeat to Your Lordship that the repre- 
sentations and influence of the Government of the United States 
will have great weight in that quarter, and there can be little 
doubt that strenuous efforts will continue to be used, to indis- 
pose the people of Texas from agreeing to any settlement recom- 
mended by the Governments of Her Majesty, and the King of 
the French. 

So far as I can judge the purpose is less to forward immediate 
annexation, (or at least there is less hope of effecting that result 
immediately,) than to break up the prospect of any otlier ar- 
rangement, trusting perhaps to quarrels with Mexico, or future 
Contingencies, for some convenient opportunity of adjusting the 
question in the only way that adjustment would be agreeable to 
that section of the Democratic party now in office in the United 
States. 

I may state that in connexion with that view that General Duff 
Greene (whose name and agency in the annexation agitation have 
probably already attracted Your LoTdship's notice) has recently 
arrived here from the City of Mexico, on his return to the United 
States, and I have it confidentially from a reliable source that he 
has gone up to Washington with earest recoramendations to this 
Government at once to renew vigorous offensive hostilities against 
Mexico, with proposals of an extensive nature for the further ac- 
quisition of territory and schemes for the raising of men and 
funds, founded upon those acquisitions. 

There can be little or no doubt that the Government of Texas 
will turn aside from any projects of that kind, neither do I be- 
lieve that they vrill be made by the Authority of the Government 
of the United States. But it is possible that these hints of prob- 
able difficulties between the United States and Mexico, arising 
out of the late discussions^" between Mr. Shannon^^ and Senor 
Eejon, and exaggerated statements of the disturbed condition of 

^"Refers to the Shannon-Rejon correspondence, of 1844, in which both 
the American minister to Mexico and the Mexican minister of foreign 
affairs, had used imprudent and irritating language likely to stir enmity 
between the two nations. 

■"Wilson Shannon, b. 1802 in Ohio, d. 1877 in Kansas. Educated as 
a lawyer, he became Governor of Ohio, 1838-1840. and again 1842-1844. 
He was sent to Mexico as Minister in 1844. After two years as Repre- 
sentative in Congress, 1853-1855, he was appointed Territorial Governor 
of Kansas, 1855-1856. Appleton, Cyclop, of Am. Biog. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 393 

Mexico, may have a prejudicial effect on tlie dispositions of Con- 
gress here. 

Eeviewing the whole subject as attentively as I can, and with 
the limited means of judging comprehensively, open to me, (a 
circumstance for which I am sure Your Lordship will make full 
allowance in the case of error or misconception,) I certainly have 
formed the impression that a very advanced stage of this affair 
has now been reached. But although the power of effectual inter- 
ference for the safe and honourable adjustment of this question 
appears to me to be rapidly passing away from Mexico, I still 
think that there is yet time and opportunity for decisive and ad- 
vantageous action from that quarter, and I have availed Myself 
of the occasion of the '•'Spartan" to communicate my impressions 
to Mr Bankhead. If the people of Texas are indeed willing to 
be annexed to the United States, I see no better mode of meeting 
that emergency, and none more moderate or more just, than im- 
m.ediate proposals from Mexico adapted to the several contingen- 
cies of the safe and durable Independence of Texas, or suitable 
terms of annexation, or lastly, a secure truce, if this shall not be 
deemed to be a convenient Moment for permanent arrangement. 

If events depended in any considerable degree upon the disposi- 
tions of this Government, I should have no serious apprehension 
of the result ; but that is by no means the case, and I believe that 
Mexico must either shape it's proceedings to meet another state 
of facts, or resign herself to a combination of a very dangerous 
character, immediately considered, and probably still more so, in 
point of ulterior intention. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 17.2 Washington on the Brazos 

21st December 1844. 
My Lord, 

The Boat in which I left Calveston laid aground on the Bars 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 

=F. 0. Texas, 9. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 16, December 20, 1844, has 
been omitted. It transmitted a printed copy of President Jones' mes- 
sage of December 16, 1844, and a copy of The Texas National Register, 
December 14, 1844. 



394 Texas State ITistoricnl Association 

between tliat place and Houston for a week, and hence my arrival 
here has been delayed till yesterday. But I avail myself of the 
first opportunity which presents itself, to report the tenor of a con- 
versation I have this morning had with President Jones and Mr. 
Allen, the Attorney General temporarily charg-ed with the State 
Department. They declared generally their decided opinions that 
the people of this Country would abandon all thought of annexa- 
tion to the United States, if they could be formally certified of 
the recognition of their Independence by Mexico. 

T believe that these are the sincere convictions of this Govern- 
ment, and if the Independence of the Country were recognized 
by Mexico, and it consisted with the power of this administration 
to direct or controul the subsequent course of the people of Texas, 
it is no doubt highly probable that the idea of annexation would 
soon be firmly replaced by wiser and more becoming principles. 
I am sure, at least, that the efforts of this Government in that 
sense, would be frankly and heartily made. 

In making this admission I took the liberty, however, to re- 
mind the President that when General Houston first communi- 
cated to me the proposals of the Government of the United States 
in Ooctober 1843, I had ventured to express my inability to con- 
cur with them as to the dispositions of the people of Texas re- 
specting annexation and my belief that they would not have it 
in their power to resist the popular impulses in that direction. 
Events had established the soundness of those impressions; and 
fully admitting their better means of judging of the probable 
movements of the people of Texas in any supposed contingency, 
I must confess that I was still unfortunate enough to differ from 
them on the point they had drawn into question, very materially 
indeed. 

Whilst, therefore, it would be my duty to report the Presi- 
dent's judgment to Your Lordship with whom it could not fail 
to have much more weight than my own, I should be compelled 
to add that I could not perceive there were any more sure grounds 
for thinking that the people of Texas were, or would be, less open 
to influence from the United States than they had hitherto been, 
and none whatever that that influence would not be actively em- 
ployed in favour of annexation, or at all events against the ac- 
complishment of settlement upon any other Views. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 395 

When, I should see both Houses of Congress joining in Reso- 
hitions, voted unanimously or by large majorities, declaring the 
inexpediency, not to use stronger terms, of ever entertaining fur- 
ther proposals from any quarter, having in view the sacrifice of 
the separate existence of the Country, I should admit that it was 
reasonable to depend upon the steadfastness of the people. And 
speaking for myself, I would add that I should consider such a 
movement to be conclusive of the whole question, for it had long 
been clear to me that the fate of the people of Texas was only in 
other hands, because they were pleased or led to leave it there. 

The President knew much better than I did, that in the present 
temper of the public here, and so long as the annexation agita- 
tion existed in the United States it was out of the question to 
look for a diiferent spirit in this quarter. He admitted that this 
was the case at present, but wished that Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment would transmit to me the proposals of which Your Lord- 
ship had spoken to Mr Ashbell Smith duly prepared for execu- 
tion, with Instructions to lay them before this Government for 
completion, at any moment that might be judged propitious for 
supporting settlement upon that footing, before the people. He 
could not but think that such a moment would present itself, and 
he had a confidence that it might at once be taken advantage of 
for the final and durable accomplishment of a satisfactory set- 
tlement. 

I had only to repeat with respect to this proposal that I really 
cannot speak of it's probable success or advantage in terms of 
confidence. And the single sure mode of preventing some very 
mischeivous complication for the safety of Mexico, that presents 
itself to my mind, is in the immediate adoption of a wise policy 
en the part of that Government. 

Her Majestj^'s Government may feel assured that very earnest 
efi'orts are in course of progress in this Country, not perhaps di- 
rectly addressed to the Government, but certainly to the people 
and their Representatives, having in view the revival of hostilities 
in this quarter, so that an opening may be made for the operation 
of a variety of schemes and devices of the most dangerous char- 
acter to the security of Mexico. 

I have in other places taJcen occasion to mention to Your Lord- 
ship my belief that the present Government of the United States 



396 Texas State Historical Association 

was practically pledged to support this Government in the event 
of an invasion from Mexico, and I entertain no doubt upon fur- 
ther and better grounds of consideration that such a belief is well 
founded. I am disposed to think too that the manner of the 
pledge was not very different from what I suggested to Mr Paken- 
ham it might have been. 

The Government of the United States pledged themselves 
verbally to the Representatives of this Government before they 
signed the treaty, and those Gentlemen shewed the Copy of their 
own despatches, reporting the terms of the obligation, to the Sec- 
retarj'- of State at Washington, who authorized them to convey 
his assent to the accuracy of their communication. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Plight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

TvTo 18. Washington on the Brazos. 

December 25th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

On reperusing my despatch No 17 of this year, forwarded three 
days since, I observe a mistake, which, with Your Lordship's per- 
mission, I will now correct. 

I have said in that despatch that the first Communication of 
the proposals of the Government of the United States made to 
me by General Houston was in October last, instead of October 
1843. Your Lordship will probably have understood me to mean 
October 1843, but I have still to offer my excuse for the error, 
and I have the honour to be,* 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
Downing Street. 

T. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 

^Elliot was mistaken in thinking his dispatch No. 17 stated the 
wrong date. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 397 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Secret Washington on the Brazos. 

December 28th. 1844. 
My Lord, 

The President visited me a few Evenings since and spoke to 
me at length upon the present situation of Affairs here, and, as 
he wished that his views should be made known to Her Majesty's 
Government in a confidential way, I have adopted this mode of 
communication. 

Before I fulfil his desire it may be convenient that I should lay 
before Your Lordship some means of estimating the weight due 
to his opinions, apart from his public claim to attention. 

He came here before the rupture with Mexico in search of pro- 
fessional employment as a Physician, but since that event has 
always been engaged in public life, either as a Member of the 
Houses of Legislature, for some time as Minister to the United 
States, and during the whole of the late Administration as Sec- 
retary of State. He is of course of the same politics as General 
Houston, and I have no doubt that his Administration will be 
marked by the same abstinence from the recommendation or coun- 
tenance of any of those vast but visionary schemes of policy, or 
speculation in point of finance, founded upon an imaginary pros- 
pective prosperity, which had gone so far to extinguish the Coun- 
try before General Houston's return to power in 1841. 

Unlike most other public Men in the Southern parts of the 
American Confederacy or here, Mr Jones is remarkably can- 
tious and reserved, and with a moderate degree of the skill and 
firmness of his predecessor he will probably be able to controul 
affairs very materially with much less appearances of direct inter- 
position than General Houston, and with less stormy opposition 
than General Houston's heats and rather free expression of his 
antipathies were apt to produce. In his intercourse with the 
European Governments I believe Mr Jones will be guided by a 
just appreciation that the only course which can be safe or suc- 
cessful is the direct. So far as I can judge he is not at all 
likely to make shipwreck of the fair and liberal consideration with 
which Her Majesty's Government in particular, will regard the 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 



398 Texas State Historical Association 

necessities of his position at home, by any unworthiness either in 
his representations, or his reserve. In private life he is a worthy 
and friendly man, of a plainness of speech, and simplicity of 
manner which help the feeling of confidence, and I certainly know 
no one in Texas, now eligible for the station he fills, of sounder 
Judgment, more experienced in the Affairs of the Country, or gen- 
erally better fitted for it. 

With this information I believe Your Lordship will be able to 
fonn a judgment upon the trustworthiness of his own exposition 
of his situation and purposes, as well as upon the soundness of his 
suggestions. He expresses the belief that the Majority of the in- 
telligent portion of this Community is aware that the best settle- 
ment for Texas is the preservation of their separate National ex- 
istence. But they have seen so little reason to think that Mexico 
would abandon it's disquieting character of Warfare, the recent 
conditions and language of the Mexican Commissioners at Mata- 
moras have so effectually broken up any hope of the recognition 
of Independence by Mexico, and they have so little faith in the 
force of the mere advice of Foreign Powers, to bring about that 
result that it ought to be no matter of surprise there should be a 
very general feeling in favour of annexation to the United States. 

The result too of the late Election there, has naturally strength- 
ened that feeling and state of expectation; and upon the whole in 
the present temper of the public here, I must see that this Gov- 
ernment can only watch the turn of events, and above all things 
carefully abstain from any course likely to persuade the people 
that they are secretly working against annexation. It may be de- 
pended upon, however, that they would neither advance one step 
to meet or encourage it. 

The policy of the Government, and he hopes and believes of 
the present Congress will be to let all further advances and pro- 
posals come from the United States, reserving their own right to 
reject or accept them, according to their complexion. And he 
might mention to me in connexion with this point, that if the 
Texian Commissioners at Washington last Spring had obeyed their 
Instructions they would never have signed that treaty. It's com- 
pletion upon such terms was a source of great mortification and 
disappointment to General Houston and himself. In his sin- 
cere Judgment, and General Houston's too, the United States 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 399 

had much better leave them alone to manage their own affairs. 
He has not much confidence in their ability to settle it in their 
way in their own Legislature, and for his own part he has a 
strong inclination to believe that parties there have made as much 
out of Texas as they intend just now, that they will be quite satis- 
fied to have broken up the late Negotiations and their consciences 
quite at ease with the thought that there will be no further trouble 
from Mexico in the way of invasion. 

In short foreseeing inevitable delays, and probably enough in- 
superable difficulties in that quarter and no long endurance of 
patience in this, he did anxiously hope that her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment would use it's immediate and decisive influence with 
Mexico, to propose the recognition of Texas, simply and uncondi- 
tionally, leaving all tlie terms to be matter of arrangement in the 
treaty of peace. 

He does not doubt if it were in the power of this Government 
to declare to the people of Texas that such a proposal was before 
them, He and his friends would have strength enough to turn 
them aside from any further thought of annexation. He also ex- 
pressed the hope (already signified in my despatches) that Her 
Majesty's and the French Governments would lose no time in plac- 
ing their Eepresentatives here, in a situation to conclude definitively 
at any propitious moment, so that everything may be irrevocably 
completed before disturbing movements can come back from the 
United States. 

Mr Jones Avished me to inform Your Lordship that the most 
violent adherence to annexation here, came from a rising Sugar 
growing interest. This party believed that they had tested the 
capacity of the lower lands of Texas to produce Sugar, at least 
as well as those of Louisiana, and eagerly desired annexation that 
they might enjoy the protection afforded to Native grown Sugar 
under the United States tariff. When the proper time comes, if 
it come soon, and before this interest had grown to any strength, 
he had no doubt he should be able to shew those parties that they 
were no losers by settlement on the footing of Independence. 

I told the President that I would immediately communicate 
his views to Your Lordship; but with no means of forming any 
decided opinion upon the judgment of Her Majesty's Government, 
I would venture to state to him as a matter of private impression 



400 Texas Slate Historical Association 

that it seemed very unlikely to me they would ever be brought to 
interfere as decisively as He had suggested till they should be 
effectually certified that they were really acting in behalf of the 
Government and people of a durable and bona fide Nation of 
Texas. Mexico would indeed have just right to complain if it 
should appear in the sequel, that Great Britain had been doing 
no more than facilitating the quiet transfer of an immense Mexi- 
can territory to a third party behind a thin veil, soon to be 
dropped; which partly the Mexican people consider to be unjust 
and aggressive. 

The President observed to me amongst other things that I 
knew he was sincerely averse to a renewal of hostilities. Such 
a state of affairs would be in the highest degree inconvenient to 
this Country exhausting it of it's Means, and filling it again with 
a class of persons of a bad description, of whom they had now 
almost got rid. But still if all other hopes failed, and Mexico 
continued it's preparations, and threats, and incursionary warfare, 
he had deliberately made up his mind to retaliate. Looking to 
the disturbed condition of Mexico, and with General Houston's 
skill (and it niight be depended that the weight of his name would 
soon collect a large force) he should not despair of soon reducing 
llexico to reasonable terms. 

I told him that I should be very sorry to see such a state of 

things for I knew how true it was that every body was strong 

at home, and I felt quite safe in expressing the opinion that that 

truth would never be more signally or disastrously manifested 

than in the case of Texian invasion into Mexico. He cordially 

hoped that no such Measures would be necessary, and they would 

certainly never be resorted to by him till all other means and 

hopes of Settlement were exhausted. 

m j-i -n- i-j. TT n Charlcs Elliot 

To the Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN® 

Secret. Washington on the Brazos. 

My Lord December 29th 1844 

I have been endeavouring during my visit here to gather some 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 401 

coi-rect idea of General Duff Green's position at this place; and 
generally of the nature and scope of his purposes. They are very 
curious, and hy no means unworthy of Your Lordship's notice. 

He was some time since named Consul at Galveston, an office 
almost without duties, hut probably only offered and accepted as 
a convenient means of placing him in this Country. Your Lord- 
ship will perhaps have heard that he was sent first to Mexico as 
Bearer of the Instructions which led to Mr Shannon's Correspond- 
ence with Seiior Eejon; and coupling General Green's family 
Connexion with Mr. Calhoun and the fact of his own involvement 
in the annexation agitation, it may be that Senor Eejon was not 
much mistaken in the impression that the excitement of a quar- 
rel might be one of the chief objects of that Correspondence, the 
more so as the tidings of a Misunderstanding would reach Wash- 
ington just in time to be helpful to Mr Tyler's proposals for im- 
mediate Annexation. 

The President mentioned to me in confidence that Major Don- 
nelson had reminded this Government when he went to New Or- 
leans a few days since, that General Green had no other public 
ch.aracter than that of Consul at Galveston, and requested that all 
communication with him might be limited by that recollection 

The President thinks the explanation of this mistrust may be 
fliat these Gentlemen belong to different Sections of the Demo- 
cratic party (Major Donnelson to that of General Jackson, and, 
Genei-^l Green to that of Mr Calhoun). But it tends to shew 
that even amongst the parties friendly to the Measure of annexa- 
tion, there is no cordial understanding, and amongst the larger 
and most influential part of the party (the Northern) it will cer- 
tainly have very few friends upon any terms likely to suit the 
South. 

In short circumstances satisfy me that his true position here is 
that of secret agent to the unshrinking advocates of annexation, 
in the United States, or I should rather say of extended mischief 
against Mexico, for it is manifest that their objects are not lim- 
ited to the annexation of Texas only. There are other purposes 
and wider plans in contemplation; and it is possible that it may 
not be the sincere wish of certain parties in the United States to 
see annexation affected immediately, or till they have shaped suit- 
able devices for the accomplishment of their schemes by the means 



402 Texas State Historical Association 

of laws passed by this Legislature. General Green's Mission seems 
to be rather to act upon Congress and the people than on the 
Government, for I think they are so little trusted by his friends, 
as he is by them. At all events Your Lordship may be assured 
that General Green has not the least weight with them. There 
was on the contrary an old feud between General Houston and 
himself in the LTnited States, and he is certainly neither liked or 
trusted by this Government. 

The foundation of all his Schemes, is the incorporation of r 
land Company, (ostensibly I suppose for the Settlement of the 
ungranted lands in Texas, but aimed particularly at the IST. W. 
and AVestern Sections, and eventually to extend across the Eio 
Grande) with the management of their affairs in the hands of 
a Director appointed by themselves, powers to levy and maintain 
troops for defence against Indians, appoint their own Officers, 
raise and appropriate funds within the limits of the Company, 
privilege to collect all the import duties West of the Mouth of 
the Colorado, and in short with powers not unlike those of the 
East India Company, but with no definite legal controul left to 
the Executive Government, and no practical means of carrying 
it into effect, if the case were otherwise 

The Company in consideration of these extensive powers and 
privileges to undertake the liability of the public debt of Texas, 
and to provide a certain fixed sum for the payment of the ex- 
pences of the Government, or what might more properly then be 
called, the Nominal Government. In point of language and ar- 
rangement the Bills will of course be as guarded as may be prac- 
ticable. But the real object is to transfer almost all the powers 
of the Constituted Authorities of this Country, with the use of 
it's flag, for purposes of disturbance and spoliation in Mexico, 
to a Confederacy of political Speculators and Capitalists in the 
United States, the last, probably as yet existing only, in the imag- 
ination of the parties who have devised these projects; for it is 
hard to believe that any men of real character and substance have 
already lent themselves to such proposals, and still less furnished 
authority to bind them to the contemplated liabilities. 

The information I have received of General Green's warlike 
Counsels is consistent with the scheme, for it is a feature of it 
that the Conquests beyond the Rio Grande are to be parcelled out. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 



403 



and sold for the advantage of the Company. As soon therefore 
as all is ready to go into operation, that is the course they would 
desire, and in the mean time efforts are probably in contempla- 
tion or in progress to forment the disorders and discontent in the 
Northern Provinces of Mexico. Keeping in view General Green's 
implication in the l^ullification Agitation, and intimate connexion 
with the leader of that party, the reflection will present itself 
that there may be in this strange Scheme some speculation of 
preparing for the disruption of the South from the ISTorth in the 
United States, and ultimately for the Establishment of a great 
Confederacy extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, with the 
possession of the Califomias. 

But be the secret and ulterior purposes, what they may, and 
their character ever so chimerical, it is manifest that the animus 
falls nothing short of a conspiracy against Mexico. And that 
such a plot should have emanated from an Officer of the Govern- 
ment of tlie United States, in such near connexion and close con- 
fidential Correspondence with a Functionary at the head of the 
foreign affairs of that Country cannot fail to fk the very atten- 
tive consideration of Her Majesty's Government. Carefully perus- 
ing the late report of the Secretary of War in the United States 
for presentation to Congress I incline to think that this report 
may be connected with his proposal to establish posts towards the 
Mouth of the Columbia. 

I know too that one of General Green's Schemes, contemplates 
the removal of some of the Indian Nations now within the United 
States to the regions between their Western border and the Eio 
Grande, probably with the intention of dispossessing the tribes in 
actual occupation, and pressing upon Mexico in that way. 

I shall of course endeavour to furnish Your Lordship with an 
accurate synopsis of these schemes as soon as possible. But they 
are very carefully kept out of sight at present; and if those earliest 
put forward should fail in the House of Legislature where they 
are presented I conclude that the more important will be set aside 
and kept concealed 

The President tells me that he hears of a test attempt in the 
Senate, but has no idea that it will pass, and leans to the belief 
that failure there will discourage further Movement. 

To The Eight Honourable. ^^^^^^^ ^^^^°^- 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



404 Texas State Historical Association 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT' 

Draft. Foreign OfSce. 

Cnptain Elliot. Deer. 31. 1844. 

No. 13.« 
Sir, 

As yoii will by this time have returned to your Post, I transmit 
to you a Copy of a Despatch which, during your absence from 
Texas, I have received from Her Majesty's Minister in Mexico, 
?s well as a Copy of my reply to that Despatch, on the subject of 
the position of Mexico with reference to Texas, and of the urgent 
expediency of the recognition of the Independence of Texas by 
the Mexican Government. 

I transmit to 3'ou also Copies of four Despatches with reference 
to the projected Annexation of Texas to the United States, as 
well as to the policy proper to be pursued by Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment both in Mexico and the United States, with respect to 
that delicate question, which have been received by Her Majestj^'s 
Government from Her Majesty's Envoy in the United States, to- 
gether with Copies of a Correspondence between me and Her 
Majesty's Ambassador at Paris upon the same subject. I add to 
tliese Papers the Copy of a Despatch which I address this dav to 
Mr. Bankhead.^ 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is 'unsigned. The enclosures cover 
the more important diplomatic communications passing between Aberdeen 
and British representatives in the United States, France, and Mexico, 
relative to the plan of preventing annexation. These despatches explain 
the reasons for the giving up of that plan, and for the adoption of the 
passive policy here outlined to Elliot. For detailed statement and quo- 
tations from despatches, see Adams, British Interests and Aclivities m 
Texas, ch. VIII; Smith, The Annexation of Texas, p. 404.' 

"Aberdeen's despatches to Elliot after No. 5, January 31, to No. 13, 
December 31, 1844, were all on routine business and have been omitted. 
They are in F. O., Texas, 9, and by number and date were: 

No. 6, February 3, 1844, acknowledging receipt of despatches. 

No. 7, April 3, 1844, acknowledging receipt of bills satisfying the 
"Eliza Russell" claims. 

No. 8, April 3, 1844, acknowledging receipt of despatches. 

No. 9. April 18, 1844, acknowledging receipt of despatches. 

No. 10, April 18, 1844, granting Elliot leave of absence. 

No. 11, November 4, 1844, transmitting claims of Mr. S. Merana upon 
Mexican government, and documents relating thereto. 

No. 12, Addington to Elliot. November 4, 1844, relating to the "Little 
Penn" claims, with copies of correspondence with Lizardi and Co. 

"The enclosures here listed are all to be found in F. 0., Texas. 20, being 
copies transmitted to Elliot, and preserved by him in his archives. Taken 
in the order named by Aberdeen, they are as follows: 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 405 

These Papers will put you in possession of the line of conduct 
which Her Majesty's Government have pursued and intend to pur- 
sue botli with regard to Mexico and to the United States, with 
reference to Texas. That line of conduct may be summed up in 
a few words, it is to urge Mexico by every available argument, 
and in every practicable Manner, to recognize without delay the 
Independence of Texas, as the only rational course to be taken 
for securing the real interests of Mexico, to which Country, the 
Annexation of Texas to the United States would be ruinous, while, 
an the other liand, we have carefully abstained from any ostensible 
Act which could influence the wild and dangerous spirit which, 
partly from National, but more from party purposes, has been 
roused and sustained by demagog-ues in the United States, in 
favour of the Annexation of Texas, and which wanted but the 
evidence of active interference on the part of Great Britain to be 
kindled at once into a flame. 

This policy we propose still to pursue, because, under present 
Circumstances, and until we can see our way more clearly with 
reference to the intentions of Mexico, as well as to those of the 
United States, under the altered circumstances which the Election 
of a new President may exhibit, we think a passive course, or 
rather a course of observation, the most prudent, and the least 
likely to involve us in difficulties with Mexico, or with the United 
States 

Our feelings, however, are in no way changed with regard to 
the Independence of Texas. We consider that Independence of 
the highest importance for Mexico, for Texas herself, and even 
eventually for the United States, to which Country, in the opinion 
of Pier Majesty's Government, the possession of Texas, although 
it might at the present Moment satisfy the peculiar interests of 
the Sonth, and gratify the National vanity of all the States, would 

Bankhead to Aberdeen, No. 54, July 31, 1844. 
Aberdeen to Bankhead, No. 30, September 30, 1844. 
PaJcenham to Aberdeen, No. 74, June 27, 1844. 
Pakenham to Aberdeen, No. 76, June 27, 1844. 
Pakenham to Aberdeen, No. 123, November 13, 1844. 
Pakenham to Aberdeen, No. 127. November 28, 1844. 
Aberdeen to Cowley, No. 202, July 18, 1844. 
Cowley to Aberdeen, No. No. 371, July 22, 1844. 
Cowley to Aberdeen (Confid.), No. 568. December 2, 1844. 
Aberdeen to Bankhead, No. 40, December 31, 1844. 



406 Texas State Historical Association 

scarcely fail, in no long time, to become a serious source of Con- 
tention between the Northern and the Southern States, and, at 
the same time, expose the whole Confederation to great hazard. 

Her Majesty's Government desire, therefore, that you should 
observe the greatest Caution in all your dealings and Conversa- 
tions with the Authorities of Texas, and that you should in no 
way Commit your Government to any line of active policy with 
regard to that Country. 

We have undoubtedly every reason to hope and believe that the 
present ruling Authorities in Texas will be found favourable to 
the Independence of their Country. Mr Anson Jones has the 
reputation of a Man of worth, judgment, and high minded feel- 
ings; and Mr. Ashbel Smith, who seems to be designated for the 
post of Secretary of State, is, to our personal knowledge, a man 
of excellent capacity, calm reflection, and holding sound opinions 
respecting tlie position and interests of his Country. In these 
two Gentlemen, therefore we could place entire confidence. But 
we must always remember that the tide of public opinion may be 
too strong for them to withstand, especially if the pressure from 
without be, as it is not unlikely to be, applied with great force 
and craft. 

However decided, therefore, the opinions of the President of 
Texas and his Secretary of State may be in favour of non-an- 
nexation, they may be overborne especially if the folly or ob- 
stinacy of Mexico should still come in aid of the United States, 
and may be compelled, however unwillingly to give way to irresisti- 
ble Circumstances 

Under this view of the case whatever might be our prepossion 
in favour of actively supporting the Independence of Texas, good 
policy seems to point out the course I have described, at least for 
the present, as the only one which we can prudently pursue. 

You will not fail to observe, with the utmost viligence, the 
progress of events, and the changes which may take place in pub- 
lic opinion in Texas, and to keep Her Majesty's Government cor- 
rectly informed on these points. 

I have no objection to Your verbally communicating the sub- 
stance of this Despatch, but not of it's Inclosures, to the President 
and to Mr. Ashbel Smith, in whose steadiness, circumspection, 
and good faith I have much confidence. But vou will on no ac- 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 407 

count allow any Copy of it to be taken, nor will you speak of its 
contents to any person except to the President and Mr Smith 

At the same time that you make such Communication, you will 
add the assurance that, although we feel confident that the threats 
of Invasion by Mexico are mere words, we do not the less appre- 
ciate all the injury which results to Texas from those threats, 
idle as they are, and shall not relax, but rather increase our efforts 
to induce Mexico to desist from so irrational and so prejudicial a 
line of Conduct 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT" 

Draft. 

Captain J^lliot. F. 0. Deer. 31st. 1844. 

No. 14. 

Sir, 

I transmit to you herewith, for your information. Copies of 
two Despatches'^ which I have received from H. M. Minister at 
Frankfort respecting a body of Germans who have gone to Texas 
^vith a view to settle in that Country. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN* 

ISTo. 2.'- Washington on the Brazos. 

January 3nd. 1845. 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that Mr Allen 
the Attorney General and Secretary of State ad interim, informed 
me yesterday that the President had revoked the "Exequatur" 
issued to General Green as Consul to the Fnited States for Gal- 
veston, owing to circumstances known to His Excellency which 
rendered that step neeessar}^ for the "interests, honour, and safety 
of the Pepublic."i3 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is unsigned. 

^^Not transcribed. 

*F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 

^-F. 0., Texas, 13, Elliot to Aberdeen, No. I, is missing from the 
archives. 

"The President's objection to Duff Green was largely due to the lat- 
ter's public accusation that the Texan government's policy was being 
moulded by Elliot. The matter was smoothed over after Green had writ- 
ten a letter of disclaimer and apology. For details and correspondence, 



410 Texas State Historical Association 

the Comanchee end Apache tribes upon Mexico would be equally 
advantageous to that Eepublic. 

This Indian project is particularly remarkable, coupled with 
the authority of the Government of the United States to their 
diplomatic Agent here to move United States troops into any 
part of Texas that he sees fit. 

In the absence of General Green's explanation of his own Meas- 
ures, privately and confidentially communicated to this Govern- 
ment, and with the glimpses of them that he affords, it must be 
admitted that they are a subject of curiosity and interest 

Charles Elliot. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^* 

Private. Galveston, January 15th. 1845. 

My Lord, 

A service of many years in the West Indies both in my own 
profession and in a Civil station connected with the Slave popu- 
lation, independently of my position here, have perhaps given me 
some qualification to form an opinion on a few of the points Mr 
Calhoun has noticed in the papers lately laid before Congress re- 
specting the Annexation of Texas. 

The accompanying notes were written for a private purpose 
that I sometimes hope to be able to accomplish ; but it has oc- 
curred to me that Your Lordship may be willing to take the 
trouble of perusing them at the present conjuncture; and if that 
should be so, and it is thought they can in any way be useful to 
the public Service, I need not say that they are entirely at Your 
Lordship's disposal. 

If they are of no interest or use to Her Majesty's Government, 
I will take the liberty, (with my excuses for the trouble to which 
I have exposed Your Lordship) to ask that they may be for- 
warded to my Si?ter Lady Hislop, living at ISTo 37 Wilton Crescent 
Belgrave Square. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 411 

[Enclosure] ^^ 

Since I have been here I have carefully perused Mr Calhoun's 
late Instructions to Mr Shannon^® in Mexico, as well as his de- 
spatch to Mr. King^'^ at Paris dated the 12th of August. 

The character of those to Mr Shannon has been stripped so 
bare by Seiior Rejon and the press in Mr Calhoun's own Coun- 
try, that they may very justly be cast out of further notice — 
I will make one observation about them, however, which I have 
not remarked elsewhere, and that is, that if they were not in- 
tended to create a misunderstanding, the tidings of which should 
reach Washington just in time to help forward the President's 
proposals for immediate Annexation, their motive is inscrutable 
to me. Assuredly there was no practical need to require Mexico 
at the end of the Month of October not to make a descent upon 
Texas, which Mr Shannon must have known could not be done 
before next Spring, on account of the State of the Country in 
the Winter Season, setting aside all consideration of the prospect 
of intestine troubles, hourly looked for at the date of Mr Shan- 
non's Notes. 

The whole Series of these papers must I think, convince every 
impartial person that the absorption of this Country has always 
been deliberately intended by certain parties in the United States, 
and that the acknowledgment of the Eepublic of Texas (so far 
as those parties were concerned) was only a device for the quiet- 
ing of the question till they should be able to perpetrate an Act 
of vSpoliation on Mexico, chiefly with the purpose to extend the 
Market for their own internal Slave Trade. 

I am sensible that it would be the height of injustice to sup- 
pose that the present Scheme of Annexation will be easily car- 
ried through the Legislature of the United States. But the at- 
tempt has been earnestly made and will be strenuously prose- 
cuted, and there is no reason to think that it will fail from any 
particular scrupulousness either in point of representation or 
means, on the part of the present Government. 

Mr. Callioim pronounces that the Measure of Emancipation in 

'=F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 

''^In U. S. Docs. Ser. No. 440, Doc. 1, correspondence accompanying 
Tyler's Message of December 3, 1844. 
"In Ihid., 39. 



412 Texas State Historical Association 

the British possessions has been a total failure, and in support 
of that conclusion dwells at much length in the despatch to Mr 
King on the diminution of the supply of Sugar, which he con- 
siders to be entirely attributable to the change from forced to 
free labour. 

In setting out it is to be observed that it is more compendious, 
than a complete or accurate mode of estimating the Situation, 
happiness and prospects of Countries, to cipher out the sum of 
Sugar produced at different periods of time. The Averdupois 
Weight of Sugar is not decisive of such a question as Mr Cal- 
houn has raised. 

Willi out undervaluing that consideration it is not to be denied 
that more things than Sugar should have been thrown into the 
balances before the pronunciation of this solemn sentence, for the 
warning of the King of the Frencli, that a great measure of jus- 
tice had utterly failed, and that the British Government are con- 
spiring to ruin every body else with whom they have friendly 
and profitable Commercial relations to redress the effects of what 
Mr. Calhoun seems to think was an Act of mixed folly and mis- 
chief. 

Passing on from these reflections, however, I would wish to 
observe that it is natural Ml- Calhoun should be incompletely 
informed as to the real Situation of those Countries, either now 
or formerly — But if he had not of late abated the disposition to 
cause men to marvel at any course that may next suggest itself 
to his mind, it would have occasioned gi*eat surprize that he 
should have chosen a subject for the better instruction of the King 
of the French through Mr King of Alabama/^ on which it would 
be his best and certainly his manifest excuse to admit at once, 
that he is entirely wrong and mistaken; and it is to be hoped, 
heartily sorry and ashamed for what he has said and done. 

The position is that the West Indies and other British posses- 
sions where Slavery existed are in a ruinous condition, that state 
of things being mainly deduced, to his satisfaction, from the di- 
minished supply of Sugar. But if those possessions are in an 
incomparably sounder and happier condition than they were, he 

"William Rufiig King. Member of Congress from North Carolina, 
1810-1816. United States Senator from Alabama. Minister to France, 
1844. Elected Vice-President of United States in 1852. Died, 1853. 
(Appleton, Encyclopedia of Amer. Biog.) 



I 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 413 

will of course agree that the measure has not failed, though the 
supply of Sugar has fallen short. 

Concerning Mr Calhoun's Summum bonum, however, he may 
learn by applying to proper sources of information that the British 
Sugar growing possessions have very varying powers of produc- 
tion — And it will by no means surprize him to hear that the 
effect of a high protecting Duty on Sugar had been to fasten 
the whole energies of the proprietary almost exclusively to that 
product, thus inducing a destructive internal competition between 
Soils of extremely various capacities, at the total disregard of 
the plain rule that it is good to secure the means of living 
comfortably before men embark all their Capital in a Speculation 
in which there are many Competitors with equal or more advan- 
tages — He will learn that long before there was any idea of early 
emancipation, the proprietary in the Old and exhausted Colonies, 
and even in Jamacia, had been severely distressed, and many of 
them utterly beggared, owing to the acquisition of new and rich 
Countries peopled at the close of the trade in too great a degree 
with adult Males, that planters in the British possessions as in 
other parts of the A\^orld are not usually provident, and had been 
mistaking there, as elsewhere, profits and high prices on Capital 
in a fluctuating business, for steady revenue ; that the peace,^*^ with 
the consequent increased supply from other quarters, had added 
to the pressure upon them, that in most of the Old Colonies the 
Soil had become so poor from the excess of this exhausting cul- 
ture as to demand heavy expense to sustain it with a diminish- 
ing return and reduced prices; that they did not feed their in- 
habitants, that the race of labourers in some of the rich were 
in a very unsound condition in point of division of the sexes, 
age of the Male population, force of growing children so as to leave 
room for disquieting reflections respectinsf the future condition 
of the Countries; that, finally, it is strictly true, that at the 
period of the measure of emancipation, accompanied by a noble 
act of justice and generosity, it had only come in good time to 
sa^e the great body of the Mortgagees from following the great 
body of the proprietary in the road to iniin, and restoring to 
some of the richest Colonies in the West Indies the hope of sav- 
ing their population from extinction. 

^^That is, the peace of 1815 after the Napoleonic wars. 



414 Texas State Historical Association 

This was the state of circumstances at the period of emanci- 
pation, even in that Sugar point of view which has satisfied Mr 
Calhoun's judgment. But the British Government felt that there 
were other considerations which it consisted Avith their duty and 
honour to estimate more preciously than pounds weight of Sugar, 
or of gold and silver. The wrongfulness of the Institution in 
the sight of God and Man, its debasing effects on Master as well 
as Slave, the temper of the A^ation in respect to it, the claim of 
that population to the rights of British Law, and to all the 
reparation of which the nature of circumstances would admit for 
the wrongs that they and their ancestry had suffered. 

Is it possible that an American Statesman, of mark, can in- 
deed suppose that the British Government and Nation consider 
the measure of emancipation to be an error, and that the question 
now with them is "how it shall be counteracted? that the feeling 
there is "That what has been done cannot be undone". Is this 
then the state of information and belief of one of the leading 
Statesmen of the United States of America as to the temper of 
the British Government and people respecting the measure of 
emancipation ? 

What incredible ignorance ; what a deplorable exposure is here ! 

Can a person of such training, and in such a Station, doubt 
the existence of the real motives which dictated this measure? 
Is he so ignorant of their force? — The last state of that man is 
worse than the first ! 

Mr Calhoun may learn by consulting the papers that the fail- 
ure of produce was fully expected. — How little soever he may 
understand that any considerations should prevail over the sordid, 
it is nevertheless true that Gre^t Britain was prepared to incur 
that loss with the other heavy burden which this measure entailed 
upon Her. 

And wisely too, for the price, great as it was, was none too 
much, that purchased lasting honour for Great Britain, and 
mighty benefits not only for Great Britain, and the race of men 
that Great Britain redeemed from Slavery, but for all the Nations 
of the Earth still suffering from this terrific moral disease, and 
for the generations of men that it vrill save from that curse, and 
raise up to tJie Stature of human beings. 

It can hardly be that Mr Calhoun, in his wiser mood, does not 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 415 

perceive that the example of Great Britain will, sooner or later^ 
be followed by every Christian people in the World, not by in- 
trigue, and indirect means, and the miserable machinery that he 
has imagined, so unworthily of his character and station, but by 
the irresistible force of right principles, and a sense of honest 
shame. Cavils and strictures, and poor conceptions on such a 
matter from any quarter are less than naught, and will be for- 
gotten with Mr CalJioun, and all the passing things of the hour. 
But history will record this measure of emancipation with its 
sacrifices, and the blessings which it purchased, as the worthiest 
deed in the most glorious career that any family of human race 
has yet run, the mightiest victory that any people ever achieved 
over their selfishness and cupidity, for the sake ,of justice, and 
the cause of the helpless and oppressed, to the end of time. 

It was from the state of circumstances (briefly sketched above) 
respecting the state of property and the population, long before 
and at the period of the emancipation that, and with a large 
consideration of all those higher motives, and a comprehensive 
recollection of the vast nature of the change, and the slow but 
sure consequences that such a change has always produced on the 
human race: these were the considerations with which a just 
and informed person would bring to the examination of the 
present situation and prospects of those Countries; and the World 
will determine how nearly Mr Calhoun approaches to a fit condi- 
tion of mind for sitting in judgment on such a case as this. 

Adverting to the condition of the population, Mr. Calhoun- 
might gather in his researches that it had not consisted with 
the sense of right of the English Legislature to set up a great 
internal Slave Trade amongst their possessions when they abol- 
ished the African, and to recruit the rich Soils and unhealthy 
Climates where men decay under hard toil impelled by the Whip, 
at the sacrifice of the population in the exhausted and compara- 
tively speaking the healthy, where men increase, though Sugar 
fails. He will discover in the prosecution of his task and at 
no advanced stage of it, that the real state of the fact in the 
British possessions where Sugar is produced, is not so much that 
there has been any unaccountable or desperate failure of the sup- 
ply since the Emancipation but that a great deal too much was 
wrung from the soil and people under the old system, particu- 



414 Texas State Historical Association 

This was the state of circumstances at the period of emanci- 
pation, even in that Sugar point of view which has satisfied Mr 
Calhoun's judgment. But the British Government felt that there 
were other considerations which it consisted with their duty and 
honour to estimate more preciously than pounds weight of Sugar, 
or of gold and silver. The wrongfulness of the Institution in 
the sight of God and Man, its debasing effects on Master as well 
as Slave, the temper of the Nation in respect to it, the claim of 
that population to the rights of British Law, and to all the 
reparation of which the nature of circumstances would admit for 
the wrongs that they and their ancestry had suffered. 

Is it possible that an American Statesman, of mark, can in- 
deed suppose that the British Government and Nation consider 
the measure of emancipation to be an error, and that the question 
now with them is how it shall be counteracted? that the feeling 
there is "That what has been done cannot be undone". Is this 
then the state of information and belief of one of the leading 
Statesmen of the United States of America as to the temper of 
the British Government and people respecting the measure of 
emancipation ? 

What incredible ignorance ; what a deplorable exposure is here ! 

Can a person of such training, and in such a Station, doubt 
the existence of the real motives which dictated this measure? 
Is he so ignorant of their force? — The last state of that man is 
worse than the first ! 

Mr Calhoun may learn by consulting the papers that the fail- 
ure of produce was fully expected. — How little soever he may 
understand that any considerations should prevail over the sordid, 
it is nevertheless true that Gredt Britain was prepared to incur 
that loss with tbe other heavy burden which this measure entailed 
upon Her. 

And wisely too, for the price, great as it was, was none too 
much, that purchased lasting honour for Great Britain, and 
mighty benefits not only for Great Britain, and the race of men 
that Great Britain redeemed from Slavery, but for all the Nations 
of the Earth still suffering from this terrific moral disease, and 
for the generations of men that it will save from that curse, and 
raise up to the Stature of human beings. 

It can hardlv be that Mr Calhoun, in his wiser mood, does not 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 415 

perceive that the example of Great Britain will, sooner or later, 
be followed by every Christian people in the World, not by in- 
trigue, and indirect means, and the miserable machinery that he 
has imagined, so unworthily of his character and station, but by, 
the irresistible force of right principles, and a sense of honest 
shame. Cavils and strictures, and poor conceptions on such a 
matter from any quarter are less than naught, and will be for- 
gotten with Mr Callioun, and all the passing things of the hour. 
But history will record this measure of emancipation with its 
sacrifices, and the blessings which it purchased, as the worthiest 
deed in the most glorious career that any family of human race 
has yet run, the mightiest victory that any people ever achieved 
over their selfishness and cupidity, for the sake .of justice, and 
the cause of the helpless and oppressed, to the end of time. 

It was from the state of circumstances (briefly sketched above) 
respecting the state of property and the population, long before 
and at the period of the emancipation that, and with a large 
consideration of all those higher motives, and a comprehensive 
recollection of the vast nature of the change, and the slow but 
sure consequences that such a change has always produced on the 
human race: these were the considerations with which a just 
and informed person would bring to the examination of the 
present situation and prospects of those Countries ; and the World 
will determine how nearly Mr Calhoun approaches to a fit condi- 
tion of mind for sitting in judgment on such a case as this. 

Adverting to the condition of the population, Mr. Calhoun^ 
might gather in his researches that it had not consisted with 
the sense of right of the English Legislature to set up a great 
internal Slave Trade amongst their possessions when they abol- 
ished the African, and to recruit the rich Soils and unhealthy 
Climates where men decay under hard toil impelled by the Whip, 
at the sacrifice of the population in the exhausted and compara- 
tively speaking the healthy, where men increase, though Sugar 
fails. He will discover in the prosecution of his task and at 
no advanced stage of it, that the real state of the fact in the 
British possessions where Sugar is produced, is not so much that: 
there has been any unaccountable or desperate failure of the sup- 
ply since the Emancipation but that a great deal too much was 
wrung from the soil and people under the old system, particu- 



416 Texas iState Historical Association 

laii}' towards its close when the means of manufacturing by im- 
jwovements in machinery and the use of Steam every where ex- 
ceeded the amount of the fruits of the Earth that could be 
brought to the Mills. It is well known (and the cause is well 
understood) that there is a vast difference where Slavery exists, 
between the advance of improvement in agricultural processes, 
which are the work of the Slave, and the mechanical, which are 
the invention of free men; and hence a pressure upon the people 
and the soil, not at all consistent with the well understood inter- 
ests of the Countries, or indeed with their durable cultivation for 
any steadily profitable purpose. 

Mr Calhoun will deduce another conclusion from an investi- 
gation of this^ subject, which will be interesting to him, for it is 
in accordance with his principles of fiscal policy, namely; that 
one of the sure ways to help Countries to ruin is to blight them 
with high protecting duties upon particular portions of their 
produce 

He will remark, and that too should be another pleasing dis- 
covery to him, so far as his political economy is in question that 
if those British possessions send much less revenue, or what might 
more properly be called tribute to an absentee proprietary in 
Europe, they take and consume a great deal more of their o\^n 
produce, and of all other things both from England, and other 
parts of the World, his own Country inclusive. 

He will find too, aud that discovery wall be grateful to him 
both as a. philosopher and a Philanthropist (but perhaps I should 
ask his pardon for calling him a Philanthropist for I observe 
that he has rather repudiated that word, but nevertheless there 
are such people) — He will find, however, philanthropist or not, 
that population is rapidly increasing, that education is common 
amongst the children, that the vices which Slavery begets, both 
in the Enslaver, and in the Enslaved, are in course of slow, but 
sure, eradication, and lastly, that no inconsiderable number of 
that hue of men, who we learn, upon his authority, are to perish 
if they are made free in America, flourish and do credit to high 
station under the British Crown in the West Indies. 

It will be no light stroke to Mr Calhoun if some one of them 
should see fit to correct his headlessness and animadvert on his 
lesS' pardonable spirit. For it would not be in human nature 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 417 

that the lesson should be administered without stem severity; 
and the doctrine and matter into which he has been betrayed in 
his later exercitations, for the guidance of Kings and Ministers, 
would be roughly handled by Men of Colour in the West Indies, 
to the full his equals in capacity, and instruction, and character, 
and be it observed, that it is no disparagement to him to say so, 
for I speak only of very able and honourable persons. 

Mr Calhoun's Mistakes and lack of information, on this subject, 
not only reach beyond the seas. He does not appear to have any 
clear conceptions of the possible, and the probable, near his own 
Gates. 

Some of the most intelligent and experienced persons with 
whom I am acquainted in Louisiana and Mississippi, have assured 
me that they make no doubt those Countries would produce, cer- 
tainly more Cotton, and probably more Sugar, (Mr Calhoun's 
test of the practicability of any Scheme that is to leave the Black 
Man the Master of his own body, and the wages of his own toil) 
within ten years after Slavery had quietly disappeared, at much 
less cost of production, and an immensely increased consumption 
of other merchandize and supplies 

With regard to Sugar there may be less ease in the transition 
from slavery to free labour because of the continuous nature of 
the toil, and the want of sufficient labour in the market as yet 
to secure it at sufficiently moderate rates of wages, to leave the 
present rates of profit on the produce, and because too of the 
expensive nature of present processes, and the great proportion 
of Capital involved in the fixed form of costly buildings, and 
superfluous Machinery 

But Mr Calhoun will remember that Sugar is entirely a forced 
production in the United States, under the effect of a high pro- 
tecting duty, and if that duty were removed, as he will certainly 
think it should be, there will very soon be no other Sugar pro- 
duced in the United States than is made on small farms, by eco- 
nomical processes; and at no more than average rates of profit. 
In that way, however, and under circumstances in which it would 
be out of the question to work large gangs of Slaves, or Slave 
labour at all at any profit, I firmly believe that more Sugar 
will soon come to be produced in the United States than is the 
case under the present system. But to revert to Cotton for a 



418 Texas State Historical Association 

moment, which is the great staple of Slave labour in America, 
prices have fallen so low that the time has very nearly arrived 
when it can only be produced to profit, in the United States, on 
small farms in an inexpensive way, and by free labour, always 
cheaper, because better than Slave labour. That it may be pro- 
duced in that way, I suppose even Mr Calhoun will not deny. 
At all events it is certain that a considerable amount of the 
Cotton brought to market in Texas is the produce of the labour 
of the free man, either in part or entirely. If Mr Calhoun has 
recently visited the great Cities of the South, he can hardly fail 
to have been struck at every hour of the day with some remark- 
able proof of the rapid pace with which free labour is displacing 
that of the Slave; and if he really imagines that Her Majesty's 
Government suppose that the peaceful and gradual emancipation 
of Slavery in the United States would be attended with disas- 
trous consequences to the wealth and happiness, and strength of 
the Country, it is good proof that his mistakes are very deeply 
rooted, but nothing more. Her Majesty's Government, I am very 
sure, can have no share in such extremely fallacious opinions, 
and if they entertained those evil designs against the prosperity 
of the United States which Mr Calhoun has imputed to them, 
they can desire nothing better than his Councils and their con- 
sequences should prevail. 

They who strive for the illimitable continuance, and extension 
of the field of Slavery in the United States are no sound friends 
of the strength, happiness, and integrity of that Confederacy. 

Mr Calhoun has resorted largely in his advice to the King of 
the French, to a very excellent and able Magazine published in 
England, and though it has not been his safe "letter writer" 
on this occasion, for reasons which it would not be hard to ex- 
plain, he might, nevertheless, apply himself attentively and with 
advantage to a good deal of the doctrine expounded in those 
pages. 

In reference, for example, to this particular subject, it would 
have reminded him in an hundred eloquent and instructive pas- 
sages (better worthy of being drawn under the notice of the King 
of the French by Mr King than the Bill of parcels which Mr 
Calhoun collected, for His Majesty's attention) that civil and 
religious freedom, and instruction made Mr Calhoun and his An- 



1 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 419 

cestors, and his Country what they are, not in the half Century; 
the yesterday which has succeeded the Signing of the Declaration 
of Independence, but in the slow growth of the Centuries which 
preceded it ; and that the one thing which contributes most to the 
ruin of all the Great Empires of the past, was Slavery. Does Mr 
Calhoun indeed wish to consider this subject of British emanci- 
pation largely and attentively? Let him carry his thoughts for- 
ward two hundred years, and then let him suppose, if he will, 
that these wise and generous efforts of himself and his friends 
have saved this cherished institution for their Country so long. 

What does he think would be the condition of his Country of 
South Carolina, and its races of Slave holder and Slave, and the 
race of the free black Man in the West Indies at the end of that 
time. It is hard to say what change the Colour of their faces 
might have undergone, but in every other respect their condition 
would be worse than reversed. For freedom and religious instruc- 
tion will raise the hardy Sla,ve labourer to a higher station in no 
long lapse of time; But all experience has proved that it takes 
ages of oppression and of the gradual growth of resistance which 
oppression induces, to harden the fibre and unlift the character 
of an effeminate and subjected Master Class; and it has been the 
lot of all Master Classes of Slaves to become feeble and enslaved. 
It would be painful indeed to pursue such an enquiry, and unneces- 
sary, for there is no rational ground to believe that such a curse 
is reserved for any of the people of our blood and race as the 
protraction of Slavery, let Mr Calhoun, and the rash and heed- 
less Advocates of the System say and do what they may. 

Mr King, it is apprehended, found it hard to persuade the 
King of the French (notwithstanding the date of the despatch, 
and the state of circumstances existing at that time) that be- 
cause Sugar had fallen ofE in the West Indies, and because Mr 
Calhoun cannot divest himself of the imagination that the British 
ISTation desire to ruin their Neighbors, (and I suppose to consume 
all their Manufactures themselves) and to come to the point, be- 
cause the Annexation of Texas had been made an issue in the 
pending Presidential Election, that His Majesty should approve 
of an Act of Spoliation on Mexico, with all its certain and dan- 
gerous consequences. 

His Majesty is a Gracious Prince. But Mr King must have 



420 Texas State Historical Association 

cei-tainly subjected the Eoyal Countenance to a hard trial when 
he had frankly entered upon the task of persuading the King tliat 
it was for the safety of Mexico to render the United States con- 
terminous with that Country, by the advance of the IJ. S. line 
several hundred miles nearer to the Pacific ! 

It is not for me to speculate upon the thoughts or words of 
the King of the French on the occasion of this dashing at- 
tempt at a surprize by the American Minister at Paris. But 
it is at least certain that the "very last thing His Majesty would 
do^ would be to countenance an Act of rapine on a weak Nation, 
from motives of groundless hatred to a powerful one, and the 
intention to extend the market for the internal Slave trade of 
the United States. 

But leaving the thoughts of Princes, Mr Calhoun must know 
that there are enough of Plain men in his own Country, and else- 
where, who will exercise their right to speak to this point (for 
he cannot enslave them and send them to Texas to be sold) and 
they will tell him something to the following effect 

This Scheme of Annexation is founded on mixed feelings of 
ill will and envy against Great Britain, and a rapacious spirit 
against Mexico, and it may be, a dangerous purpose against the 
integrity of the present Union, and, assuredly, in no trifling de- 
gree, by sordid motives, and impulses of personal ambition, on 
the part of many of its most ardent supporters. 

The Fathers of the United States when they imagined, and 
shaped the Scheme of society under which that people live, and 
might live so flourishing and respected, knew that it could only 
subsist by the maintenance and improvement of the great and 
good qualities of the race from which they sprung. 

There was no hatred, no malice, or uncharitableness in their 
hearts towards Great Britain, or any Country. They desired 
that their descendants should emulate what was right, and avoid 
what was wi'ong, in England, and everywhere. They might have 
had too little regard to some considerations, and hoped too san- 
guinely on other points, but it is their just praise, and it will re- 
main to them, let the fate of the United States be what it may, 
that their Scheme was based on the generous principle that men 
can be so just, and so honest, and so true to themselves, and 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 421 

to all the World, as to be trusted with the unchecked direction 
of their own affairs. 

They knew well, indeed, what would follow from the prev- 
alence of envy, and aggression, and cupidity, and dishonest ful- 
filment of engagements, and political intrigue, and the vulgar 
devices of Electioneering knavery, and the postponement of the 
claims of the gi'eat and the good to the clamour of demagogues. 
They knew that if there should come to be a substitution of the 
things glaring, and fulsome, for the things, just, and sound, in 
the Counsels of the Government to the Legislature, in the press, 
in the oratory of the political Arena, and the public meetings of 
the people; they knew, and predicted, and warned the people that, 
when that virtue and simplicity, and sound practice in the busi- 
ness of self government, which the bye gone system had trained 
them in, should decay or degenerate, into the tyranny of an un- 
controlled democracy, and when all those other evils should grow 
up in the stead of regulated freedom, and plain words, and pure 
morals, and just purposes, they would be worm and moth in their 
Charter, and reduce it to dust, before the wax, with which it 
was sealed had melted away. 

"Watchful observers in the United States and elsewhere, must 
remark with anxiety that the race of their great Statesman is 
rapidly passing away, that their influence is aknost gone, that 
men of incomparably meaner dimensions are taking their places, 
and that there are other painful evidences of the grave truth that 
whilst the elements of durable power and happiness are of slow 
growth in Nations, as in Individuals, the decay of lights, and 
virtue, and the spirit of compromise is fearfully rapid. 

But solicitously as these things are regarded in England (as 
they are too in the TJnited States) Mr Calhoun manifests very 
erroneous and poor conceptions of the feeling of the British Gov- 
ernment and ISTation towards the North American Confederacy. 

They desire nothing but happiness, peace, honour and pros- 
perity, for the United States abroad and at home, for they well 
know that any convulsion in that System, or any great misfor- 
tune or shame arising out of it would be, in the words of a liv- 
ing English Statesman on another point, "a heavy blow and a 
great discouragement," to the cause of human freedom and rights. 

For my own part, and a varied experience of men and affairs 



423 Texas State Historical Association 

may give me some claim to offer an opinion, I will not deny 
that I see more reason to hope for the improvement and safe 
keeping of the principles of true freedom, and real liberality cer- 
tainly in Prussia, or even in Australia, or Russia, than in the 
United States of America. I mean that freedom which is largely 
regardful of the rights of others, be they ever so weak, and that 
liberality which considers and respects the opinions of the mi- 
nority, be they ever so few. The course of those Countries is one 
of improvement in the way of public right, at a various rate of 
progress indeed, but still of sure improvement. The course of 
the United States is not one of improvement in the things essen- 
tial to the maintenance of their scheme of society, and it is well 
known that the wisest and best Men in that Country are casting 
their thoughts upon the past with regret, for it is hard to recede, 
and upon the future with anxiety, for it is impossible to stand 
fast. 

Desperate public Men in the United States have ceased to 
address themselves to the reason of their fellow Citizens, their 
attack is upon their passions. What the consequences may be, 
or how soon, no man can tell. 

Mr Calhoun's strong prejudices and political eagerness have 
blinded his judgment, not only as to the feelings of Great Britain, 
towards the United States, generally, but with regard to Slavery, 
particularly — If he had been contented to take his stand on the 
position, that great as the evil of Slavery is, and much as it is 
to be desired it should be removed, no fair comparison can be 
instituted between the situation of Great Britain, in this par- 
ticular, and that of the United States, every reasonable man 
would admit that Statement. But what is to be said of a high 
functionary of a great Eepublic, (founded on an Instrument 
bristling with declarations of equal rights, who frights the world 
from its propriety (mero motu too, for there was no need to 
touch the subject) with the astounding doctrine that freedom is 
not a good thing per se, for the laboring people of the darker hue, 
and that it has been found to be particularly injurious to the 
e3^es and limbs, and understandings of the enfranchised black 
people ! 

What can be adequately said of such a course by such a man, 
and in such a station, and in the division of feeling that exists 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 423 

upon the subject in this Country, but that like the desperate 
Malay he is "running amuck", stabbing at friend and foe, and 
probably ending his wild race, a self mangled victim. 

If freedom produces this mischief on black people, it must in 
some dgree do so, upon white. That has not been ascertained 
to be the fact, and I am inclined to believe that Mr Calhoun 
has collected hi? (black) statement from some very inaccurate 
statistics. At all events it is no satisfactory thing to have re- 
marked that there are fewer deformed or helpless coloured peo- 
ple in a state of slavery than in a condition of freedom. The 
inference is painful 

Let it not be supposed that I am one of these persons who 
cast general blame on the Slave holding proprietary of the United 
States. Nothing can be farther from my feeling and purposes. 
I am well acquainted with many of these gentlemen, and I know 
that their people are humanely treated, and lightly worked, and. 
M^ell clad, and lodged and fed : And much more than all this, 
that the responsibility of their training for better things is deeply 
felt, and most honourably discharged at large pecuniary sacrifice, 
and in the beginning at no trifling amount of suspicion and ill 
will on the part of their neighbours; giving way now (as all such 
feelings will, before right motives and firm conduct) to the 
sounder spirit of assent, and laudable emulation. The whole 
Country is their Debtor, But the manifest error of these worthy 
persons is that they judge of the system from their own practice, 
forgetting that it constitutes the exception to the rule. 

I will freely admit, however, that the Slave population of the 
United States of America appears to me to be better cared for, 
and in an incomparably more advanced condition in point of 
intelligence than any other that I have ever seen (and I have had 
a long and extensive experience on this subject). But this ob- 
servation only convinces me more firmly that there is no ground 
for the arguments of the persons who resist further change and 
improvements, and who would continue to subject a people to the 
purchase and sale conditions of Cattle, arrived long since at the 
condition of an intelligent peasantry. 

I remember to have read a Speech of Mr McDuffie's^" deliv- 

^George McDuffie. Member of Congress from South Carolina, 1821- 
1834. Governor of South Carolina, 1834-1836. United States Senator, 
1842-1846. (Appleton, Cyclop, of Amer. Biog.) - 



424 Texas State Historical Association 

ered some years since in the Senate) connected with this subject, 
which seemed to me to be pregnant with truth and soundness 
up to a certain point ; but thenceforward falling lamentably short 
of any just practical advice. 

He dwelt with perfect truth, and beaming pride on the prog- 
ress that this race had made on this Continent, he contrasts 
their situation with the state of the race on the Coast of Guiana; 
he compared it with that of several of the peasantries of Europe. 
In due succession it might have been supposed that he would 
have concluded with an assertion of their rights, as well as fit- 
ness, and with earnest advice to adopt at once some safe prin- 
ciples for their gradual emancipation from a state of things, 
totally incompatible with their present stature in the scale of 
humanit}'', at utter variance with the fundamental principles of 
the society in which they live, and full of danger to the well be- 
ing of the Country. 

Mr McDufiie, however, did not appear to see that length, and 
for any thing I could observe to the contrary in his very remark- 
able speech, he would have the system stand where it was, till 
time, and the course of circumstances had obliterated all vestige 
of the black race, and the fields were full of Slaves of the same 
Colour as their Masters. 

The imputation to which the Slave States are justly liable is, 
not that they do not at once emancipate the Slaves, for that can- 
not be done with safety, but that they make no preparation to 
do . so by prohibiting the future exportation of such persons as 
merchandize, and by the establishment of schools for the Chil- 
dren, and by all the means of preparation which did so much to 
pave the way in the British Colonies, and, above all, by the estab- 
lishment of liberal principles for the gradual introduction of the 
people of Colour (under proper guarantees of good conduct, and 
steady employment, and perhaps a property qualification) to the 
full privileges of Citizenship. Till this is done the United States 
have no just pretension to be called a land of freemen. 

The great stain, however, of the Old Slave States, and it is 
a terrible one (and to the honour be it said, of a great portion 
of the Inhabitants, terribly felt) is the internal Slave Trade. 
Moderate men do not reproach them that they have Slaves : 
That is their misfortune, and it is not to be denied that Great 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 425 

Britain shared deeply in the original sin. But the heavy charge 
against them is that they desire to get rid of them by foreign 
traffic, and that some of their Statesmen are striving, heart and 
soul, to extend the market for this deeply wicked traffic. 

For my own part, who have had the unhappiness to see many 
of these unfortunate people, traveling in chains to the Southern 
Market through the land of Washington and the greatest spirits 
that America ever produced, I could not but reflect how exten- 
sively that race had contributed to the happiness and strength 
of these Countries, and thus directly to the fostering of the very 
men who achieved Independence; and here was their reward! 

I have not the least hesitation in declaring my own feeling 
that such a Slave trade is incomparably more indefensible than 
the African. In the one, men are selling the people and the 
descendants of people like Cattle, who have lived with their 
Fathers, or been born and brought up by the side of their Chil- 
dren, who have rejoiced with them, and sorrowed with them, and 
toiled for them, and whos€ final lot is the swamp, and the burn- 
ing sun of the Banks of the Mississippi, where they too often 
languish and die in the very year of their arrival, under a new 
and hard task, in a climate as strange to them as to the Whites, 
with whom they were reared. 

In the other, men at least are not adding the sin of ungi-ate- 
fulness, to the meanness of cupidity. The African is nothing to 
him, or he to the African, but the recollection of the gangs of 
people, who I have seen travelling through Virginia iti Chains, 
will never pass away from me. It happened to me to be then 
perusing Mr Jefferson's Notes on Virginia, and I could not but 
feel the force of his eloquent lines upon the subject of Slavery- 
very strongly. When he thought of it he trembled for his Coun- 
try ! Nothing that ever fell from his pen does more honour to 
Mr Jefferson than that striking page, and I greatly fear that 
there are rash Councils in operation in the United States, which 
may render it little short of prophetic. 

Mr Calhoun remarks for the instruction of the King of the 
French, that to form a correct conception of what would be the 
result of freedom to the Blacks in the United States, (brought 
about by the influence of Great Britain,) we must cast our looks 
not to Jamaica, but to Saint Domingo. This influence of Great 



426 Texas State Historical Association 

Britain, of which Mr Calhoun speaks so often may be very good 
matter to help the polls in the United States, but it is not ex- 
actly calculated for the Eoyal Cabinet of the Tuileries. It must 
be perfectly understood in that quarter to be no more than a 
creation for certain political objects in the United States. The 
King and all the rest of the World know that Great Britain has 
used no other influence, than the influence of example, and that 
to be sure is forcible enough. It will do its work in time, and 
peacefully, not to the injury, but to the incalculable advantage 
of the United States. But it may be asked, if real efficacy should 
be given in the United States to the principles which prevailed 
in Jamaica, (duly modified according to the circumstances) why 
the King of the French should not be suffered to cast his eyes 
towards Jamaica, rather than Saint Domingo, in forming a judg- 
ment upon the probable result? 

If there are none of the antecedents of the dismal story of 
Saint Domingo, in the measure of emancipation in the United 
States, it is reasonable to think that there will be none of the 
events. Let us hope there may be none of those antecedents, for 
that tale is full of warning, and may be summed up in a few 
words. 

Saint Domingo was lost to France by the madness of the peo- 
ple. It was saved to her, or might have been saved (but for an 
Act of perfidy and cupidity of which the world has seen few 
worse examples) by the wisdom and conduct of a Black Man, and 
it was cast again into utter desolation from which it has never 
recovered by the rashness of Napoleon, at the cost of the flower 
of the Fi-ench Army. 

St Domingo is not a desert because Black Men are free, or 
idle, or because of any of Mr Calhoun's prejudices against the rights 
of that race. The history of that Country will prove that those 
people are as susceptible of improvement, by freedom and Chris- 
tian Instruction, as any other in the world. — It will shew that 
gi-eat Men can have black faces, and unhappily that white Men 
can have black hearts; that the virtues of generosity, and con- 
stancy, and courage were as freely displayed by blacks as whites 
in that memorable struggle, and lastly, that the true curse of St 
Domingo has been pronounced of old, and came to pass by the 
neglect of the sacred warning, that the sins of the Fathers shall 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 427 

be visited on the Children to the third and fourth generation. 
The great Calamity of St Domingo is the hatred and jealousy 
between the mixed and black races, springing originally from 
the vices of the Whites, formented afterwards by their dark pol- 
icy, and now reckoned against them by men of that Colour who 
have occasioned almost the whole burden of misery and wretched- 
ness which has fallen upon that land. Let Mr. Calhoun assure 
himself that the fairest race of men in this planet, exposed to 
analogous disasters, and outrages, and calamities of all kinds, 
would have fallen as low as these unfortunate people; and still 
more should he bring himself to acknowledge that the single 
sound treatment for such a state of things is to help them with 
counsels to cherish their freedom ardently, and to regulate it 
wisely, and to heal their differences, and, above all things, to 
instruct their Youth in the fear of God. 

He would agree that it was only by such means that a fallen 
White people could be raised, and where is the wisdom, or jus- 
tice, of this finger of scorn against an unhappy race of Black 
Men. Victims of desperate crimes and calamities, not of their 
creation ? 

St Domingo was no pleasing subject to draw under the notice 
of the King of the French, neither, I must say, is it at all to be 
detected that Mr Calhoun was better able to instruct His Majesty 
therein, than on any of those other points which Mr. King was 
desired to expound. 

His Majesty's course with respect to the Slave Colonies of 
France, and His remedies for the disastrous state of things in 
St Domingo, would probably be of a totally different character 
from any that He would collect from Mr Calhoun. It is indeed 
to be believed that He would rather cast his looks Jamaica-wards, 
in any contemplated changes on this point, than to any direction 
that Mr Calhoun would indicate. 

It may be observed in conclusion, that Mr Calhoun has rushed 
into an extremely unfortunate situation, on this whole subject. 

He has unjustly attacked Great Britain; failed in an attempt 
to create coldness between France and that Power, in a moment 
of some crises; most unnecessarily aggravated the distrust and 
dislike with which he has long been regarded by a large part of 
the people of the United States, and, at the same time, contrived 



428 Texas State Historical Association 

by his late Councils and correspondence, to do more injury to 
the cause which it was his purpose to sustain, than the whole 
host of Abolitionists in the United States could have effected in 
years of agitation. I certainly am one of those persons who re- 
gret the vexation and chagrin he has brought upon himself, for I 
have the honour of some slight acquaintance with him, and I cor- 
dially respect his high private character, and distinguished abil- 
ities. 

Charles Elliot. 
Galveston, January 14th. 1845. 
[Endorged] In private letter from Capn Elliot of Jan. 15/45. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

No. 1. Foreign Office. 

January 23. 1845. 
Sir, 

Your Despatches to No. 15 have been received and laid before 
the Queen. 

Since the date of my last Despatches, the course which events 
have taken, both in the United States and in Mexico, has been 
such as, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, to call 
for a fresh and more explicit declaration of the views entertained 
by Great Britain of the relations between Texas and those Ee- 
publicks. 

The Annual Message of tlie President of the United States,^ 
as well as the Eesolutions which have been proposed to Con- 
gress with the intention of engaging a vote of the Legislature 
in favour of the Annexation of Texas to the Union will have 
been received at Galveston long before this Despatch reaches you. 
You will also have learnt the communication by President Tyler 
of a further Message directed exclusively to that object. 

What may be the result in the United States of these re- 
doubled exertions on the part of the Advocates of Annexation, 
it is impossible with certainty to foresee. Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment hope that the honesty and good sense of a large and 
influential portion of the Publick in that Country will resist 

>F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. 

^'President Tyler's message, December 3, 1844. (In U. S. Docs., Sen 
No. 449, Doc. I.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 439 

the impolicy and danger of committing the conduct of the State, 
in a matter of snch delicac}^, to the direction of Men so violent 
and unscrupnlons as those who have come forward as the leaders 
in this cause. Yet it canot be denied that, under the present 
state of excitement, the Legislature might be pledged by a rash 
vote, and thereby force the Executive Government, and perhaps 
not altogether against their will, into a course of action from 
which the IsTational Pride, if once engaged in it, would not easily 
allow of a retreat. 

The external relations too of the Country, is illustrated by the 
Papers lately laid before Congress, and so far as they bear upon 
the question of Annexation, are not without danger. 

The Correspondence which has passed between Mr Calhoun 
and the x4.merican Envoy at Paris^ sufficiently shows the jealousy 
with which the partizans of Annexation are ready to take up any 
sign of interference, or even of interest expressed by a Foreign 
State against the cause in which they are engaged; and, should 
any incident appear to confirm that jealousy, there can be no 
doubt of the use which would be made to precipitate active 
measures in the United States whilst the abrupt termination of 
friendly relations between the American Eepresentative and the 
Government of Mexico, stopping as it did little short of an open 
rupture, might but too easily lead to hostilities of which Texas 
would not be suffered to remain a neutral Spectator; and from 
which, whatever might be the result to the principal parties con- 
cerned. She could not hope to escape with her Independence. 

This is a state of things, which to those who feel an interest 
in that Independence cannot be otherwise than alarming, and 
which calls upon them to furnish every aid they can honourably 
and safely offer for its support. 

The Government of Texas are already aware of the light in 
which Great Britain views the question of Annexation as it 
affects the interest of Texas. Her Majesty's Government are 
firmly convinced that the dignity and prosperity of that Country 
are more secure in its own keeping than under the institutions 
of any other Government, however powerful, and it would not be 
difficult to show that, under a Government composed as that of 

'Calhoun's despatch to King, August 14, 1844. (In U. S. Docs., Ser. 
No. 499, Doc. I, pp. 39-47.) 



430 Texas State Historical Association 

the United States, and having so many and such opposite inter- 
ests to serve, it must be long before a newly settled and com- 
paratively thinly peopled Country would command the attention 
and the weight which would make up for an abandonment of the 
privilege of self-government, — if indeed such a result should ever 
be attainable. Again, as affecting other States, Her Majesty's 
Government are of opinion that the continuance of Texas as 
an Independent Power, under its own Laws and institutions, 
must conduce to a more even, and therefore a more permanent, 
balance of interests in the North American Continent, and that 
its interposition between the United States and Mexico offers the 
best chance of a preservation of friendly relations between those 
two Governments. 

That there are other inducements, in which British feelings 
and interests are more directly concerned, for wishing to see 
Texas securely established as an Independent State, Her Majesty's 
Government do not deny, but these are all strictly compatible 
with a sincere desire to promote the dignity, welfare, and pros- 
perity of Texas. 

Apart from all selfish or exclusive considerations. Her Majesty's 
Government would wish to urge upon the Government of Texas 
and to exhort them to abstain from any act on their own part, 
or from encouraging any measure on the part of the Congress 
of Texas, which might be construed into a desire to surrender 
the Independence of their Country into the hands of a Foreign 
Power. 

Whilst circumstances which I have already detailed to you 
seem to Her Majesty's Government to call for a renewal of this 
representation, an event has recently taken place in another quar- 
ter, which I trust will induce the Government of Texas to pause 
before they reject the counsel which, in perfect sincerity, and 
with a firm conviction of its being most in accordance with the 
interests of Texas herself, Her Majesty's Government have again 
offered to them. 

A few days ago I received from Her Majesty's Minister in 
Mexico a Despatch dated the 39th of November last of which 
I send you a Copy. 

You will see by that Despatch and its inclosure that the views 
of the President of Mexico on the subject of Texas have under- 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 431 

gone a remarkable change, that he has now, for the first time, 
deliberate!)' entertained the question of Texian Independence, 
and, in short, has made a step toward its recognition. This re- 
sult of the exertions which you are aware Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment have not ceased to use with Mexico, is most satisfactory. 
The conditions which General Santa Anna would annex to the 
recognition are certainly, in some respects, such as Her Majesty's 
Government could neither support on their own part nor recom- 
mend for the acceptance of Texas. Still, a first step of this 
nature, implying as it does a willingness to enter upon a tem- 
perate consideration of the subject with a view to its amicable 
settlement, is one of great importance and value at the present 
moment. 

That the Government of Texas, to whom you will communi- 
cate verbally the substance of Mr Bankhead's Despatch and of its 
Inclosure, will so consider it, Her Majesty's Government cannot 
doubt, or that they will hesitate to avail themselves of the good 
offices of Great Britain and France with a Yiew of the modifi- 
cation of the terms now offered by General Santa Anna and to 
rendering them such as Texas can honourably and advantageously 
accept. 

General Houston in his last Annual Message, a Copy of which 
I have just received from you, is entirely justified in stating to 
Congress that the late agitation of international questions be- 
tween Texas and the United States has not in any degree abated 
the desire of the Governments of Great Britain and France for 
the continued prosperity and independence of his Country, or 
caused them to relax their good offices to bring about the speedy 
and honourable adjustment of its difficulties with Mexico. And 
he does those Governments no more than justice in expressing 
his confidence that they will never require of Texas any sacrifice 
of honour or interest. 

If these are indeed the sentiments of the Texican Govern- 
ment, it may be confidently expected that they will act upon the 
advice which Her Majesty's Government now offer them upon 
this subject, and accept the united good offices of England and 
France with the Government of Mexico. 

As to the modifications which Her Majesty's Government would 
require in the terms proposed by Mexico, it is imnecessary to 



432 Texas State Historical Association 

enter into details on that point until Texas shall have signified 
her readiness to accept such friendly intervention. At the same 
time it is right that you should at once declare that Her Majest/s 
Government would not consent to propose to Texas any condi- 
tion so unreasonable as the acceptance of the Colorado Eiver as 
the Boundary of the State. You may also add that, although 
Her Majesty's Government would not be disposed to undertaJje 
their share of the responsibility, whicli, for the security of the 
possessions of Mexico, General Santa Anna would impose upon 
England and France, yet, that, under certain circumstances, those 
Powers would not refuse to take part in an arrangement by which 
Texas and Mexico should be bound each to respect the Territory 
of the other. 

You will gather from what I have now stated, that, although, 
in alluding before to the correspondence which has appeared 
between Mr Calhoun and the United States Envoy in Paris, I 
did not think it necessary to notice it, that the difference of 
opinion which that Correspondence affects to establish between 
the Governments of England and France on the subject of Texas 
has no existence; — and such in truth is the fact; whether as 
relating to the Annexation of Texas to the United States, or 
to the general position and other interests of that Country. The 
best and most practical proof of this which can be given to 
the Texian Government will be the cordiality with which you 
and your Colleague will join in pressing the same views and 
arguments upon their consideration. 

Upon the receipt of this Despatch therefore you will imme- 
diately confer unreservedly with the French Charge d' Affaires 
(who will by the same opportunity be furnished with Instruc- 
tions to a similar purpose) ; and you will lose no time in bring- 
ing the subject jointly before the Texian Government. 

You will read this Despatch to the Texian Minister, and you 
will state that it will be necessary that you should receive from 
him a full and frank explanation of the views of his Govern- 
ment as regards the Annexation of Texas to the United States. 

When that shall have been given, you will inform Her Majesty's 
Government of the result with the least possible delay. 

I should add that both in your Communications with the Texian 
Government, and in your general conversation, you will do well 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 433 

to avoid all unnecessary mention of the Government of the United 
States, and all comment upon their Policy 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot, R. N". 

BANKHEAD TO ABERDEEN* 

[Enclosure.]. 

Copy. 

Confidential Mexico. 

No. 102. N-ovr. 39. 1844. 

My Lord, 

Genl. Santa Anna passed a few days lately in the immediate 
Neighbourhood of Mexico, on his way to join the division of the 
Army destined to act against Genl Paredes.^ 

I was desirous for many reasons to see him during his So- 
journ, and I accordingly went to Guadalupe, and was most cour- 
teously received by His Excellency. 

In another despatch I have informed Your Lordship that I 
was anxious to understand what the President intended to do, 
with respect to the different pecuniary arrangements existing be- 
tween this Republic and British Subjects, at this particular Crisis. 

I afterwards entered into a long discussion with Genl Santa 
Anna upon the state of Texas, and I was enabled to place the 
views of H. M's Govt upon that Subject before the President 
more distinctly by recapitulating the Contents of Your Lord- 
ship's Despatch No 30 of the 30th of Sepr last,« which I had 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. 

^Mariano Paredes, b. 1790, d. 1849. He was for a long time a promi- 
nent figure m Mexican politics, and in the army. At first a supporter 
of banta Anna, he went over to Herrera in 1844, aiding the latter to 
the presidency. Later he overthrew Herrera's government usino- the 
TT^^-.*5''L*^'^ government was about to sacrifice Mexican interests t^o the 
United btates. Paredes became president in June, 1845. (Michaud Bioo-- 
raphie Universelle.) ' " 

»F. 0., Texas, 20. Copy sent to Elliot. This instruction to Bank- 
head m effect indicated a reversal of Aberdeen's plan for ioint action 
between France, England, and Mexico to prevent annexation. Mexico 
was here warned that since she was not ready to yield to British advice 
and recognize Texas, and was in fact planning "an invasion of Texas, 
she must not expect any British sympathy or support in case she got 
into difficulties. For further analysis and partial quotation, see Adams, 
Bntish Interests and Activities in Texas, 185-187. For criticism of this 
view, see Smith, The Annexation of Texas, 403 note 



434 Texas State Historical Association 

the same morning communicated to the Minr for Foreign Affairs, 
as I knew that the latter would submit what I said to the Presi- 
dent. 

Genl Santa Anna desired me in the most earnest manner to 
assure Your Lordship of his unalterable wish to preserve the ex- 
isting relations between Mexico and Gt Britain, and of his readi- 
ness to receive smy Counsel which Yr Lordship might think fit 
to offer for the benefit of this Countr3^ 

H. E. then entered at considerable length into the difficulties 
of his present position, both with reference to the recent com- 
munications from the U. States respecting Texas, and the neces- 
sity there was at the same time of putting down the Insurrec- 
tion which has broken out in Guadalajara, This I knew as well 
as he did; I was therefore prepared for a declaration he made 
to me that, out of deference to the British Govt., he would forego 
any intention he might have previously entertained of invading 
Texas, and he desired me to state that to Your Lordship. 

We now come to that part of the Question which relates to 
the Eecognition of the Independence of Texas by Mexico, I have 
already had the honour of mentioning to your Lordship, that I 
have lately observed several indications of a desire to settle this 
point, without compromising the Amour propre of Mexico 

I can now present to Your Lordship the Consent of Genl Santa 
Anna to the Measure in question. 

While discussing this point the Minr of Finance came in and 
took part in the conversation. The President mentioned to him 
the substance of what he intended to submit for Your Lordship's 
consideration, and accordingly Senor Haro, drew up, from H. 
E's dictation, in Mr Doyle's and my presence, the conditions upon 
which Mexico would consent to acknowledge the Independence 
of Texas. I have the honour to transmit a Copy and translation 
of this Paper. 

With respect to the 1st point — The Boundary of Texas has 
never, I believe, been accurately described. The Texans Claim 
to the Pio Bravo, while the Mexicans consider , that the proper 
Boundary would be the Pio Colorado. The Town of Matamoros 
is situated immediately on the Mexican side of the former Piver, 
which, no doubt, is one of the reasons which induces this Govt 
to place the frontier at a distance. As to the question of com- 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 



435 



pensation, I think on a former occasion an offer was made 
by the Govt of Texas, through Genl. Hamilton, to purchase the 
good will of Mexico by making over to the holders of Mexican 
Bonds m England the Sum which the People of Texas were will- 
ing to pay to Mexico for the Recognition of their Independence 
This Offer was reported to the Foreign Office in Mr Pakenham's 
Despatches Nos 97 of Deer 12-1839, ajid ^ 2 of Jany. 3. 1841 
With reference to the Guarantee of Gt Britain and France 
that Texas (I if she] be acknowledged) shall not be allowed to 
pass whatever Boundary may be agreed upon between Her 
and Mexico, and that the Californias, New Mexico, and other 
parts of the Northern Frontier shall equally be guaranteed to 
Mexico [these], are, of course, entirely for Your Lordship and 
H. M's Govt, to deliberate upon, as also that part of the Second 
proposition which relates to the Assistance of the two Great Pow- 
ers, m case the U. States should endeavor to carry into effect 
the Scheme of Annexation. 

The 3d Point relates to the promise of the President to sus- 
pend all operations against Texas. 

With respect to the 4th proposition, I think it agrees in some 
measure with the intentions of H. M's Govt, and was probably 
suggested to the President by some observations in the Memo- 
randum given by Your Lordship in my last to Mr Murphy.^ 

In receiving these proposals from Genl Santa Anna, I assured 
H. E. that 1 would lose no time in forwarding them to Your 
Lordship, but did not, in the most remote manner, compromise 
H. M^s Govt, by any observation with reference to them. I 
merely took them ad referendum. 

Some of the Conditions may appear to Your Lordship difficult 
of execution, and rather at variance with the acknowledged weak- 
ness of this Govt., but with due allowance for their usual Self 
confidence, I think we may receive them as yielding at first as 
much as we could expect, and I doubt not that Modifications 
may be afterwards obtained. 

I ventured to press upon the President the absolute necessity 
of keeping this preliminary arrangement secret. H. E. promised 
fully to accede to my request, and I have not heard of its being 

'See The Quabtebly, XIX. 96. note 8. 



436 Texas State Historical Association 

divulged to any of the Persons who unfortunately surround him, 
and who have no other interest in proffering advice, than their 
own base and sordid personal advantage. ^^^^^^^ Bankhead. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

[Endorsed.] Copy. 1844. Mexico, Now. 29. Mr. Bankhead. 
No. 102. Confidential 1 Inclo. Reed. Jany. 6. Interview with 
President Sta Anna respecting Acknowledgt of Independence of 
Texas. 

[Enclosure to Aberdeen's No 1 of Jan 23, 1845. Translation.] « 
Copy. 

Points on the Settlement of which the Mexican Govt might 
agree to grant the Independence of Texas, in compliance with 
the wish indicated by H. M's Govt. 

1st. Mexico would yield the Territory which is now occupied 
by the so-called Republic of Texas, that is from the Rio Colo- 
rado to the Sabina, and would at the same time mark out the 
Boundaries of the Interior part of the Country. 

2d. Mexico by way of Compensation demands an Indemnity 
for the Territory so yielded. — The Guarantee of England and 
France united, that under no pretext whatever shall the Texans 
ever pass the Boundaries marked out. The same Nations shall 
also guarantee to Mexico the Californias, New Mexico, and the 
other points of the Northern Frontier bordering on the U. 
States, according to a Treaty to be drawn up for that purpose 
If the U. States carry into effect the Annexation of Texas to 
the N. American Union, England and France will assist Mexico 
in the Contest which may be thereby brought on, always under 
the supposition that Mexico shall have carried into effect the 
recognition mentioned in Article 1. 

3d. Until an answer shall be received from England, which 
is requested may be sent with the least possible delay, Mexico 
will suspend all hostilities against Texas. 

4th. The English Cabinet can either give her Minister here, 
or send a Commissioner charged with full Powers to treat upon 
the above Points, and conclude the Negotiation. 
[Endorsed] Copy. Translation 

In Mr. Bankhead's No 102 "Gonfidl" of 1844 

*F. O., Texas, Vol. 21. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 437 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT'* 

JSTo. 2. Foreign Office 

Confidential February 3d. 1845 

Sir, 

With reference to my Despatch ^o 1, of the 33d Ultimo, I 
transmit to You herewith, for your Information a copy of the 
Instruction therein referred to, which the French Government 
have addressed to M. Dubois de Saligny/^ and which the Count 
de St Aulaire has communicated to me confidentially, by direc- 
tion of his Government. 

I take this opportunity to direct you to communicate with 
Mr Bankhead, Her Majesty's Minister in Mexico, upon any mat- 
ter arising out of my Instructions of the 23d Ultimo, on which 
you may judge it necessary that Mr Banldiead should be in- 
formed. Mr Bankhead has, in like manner, been directed to 
communicate to you any matters of importance which may arise 
in Mexico affecting the position of Affairs in Texas. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot, K. N. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT" 

No 3 Foreign Office. 

February 3d 1845. 
Sir, 

My Despatches to you, of this day's date will be forwarded by 
the West India Mail to Jamaica, whence they will be carried 
to Galveston under cover to Mr Consul Kennedy, by one of Her 
Majesty's Steamers, or by some other Ship of War. The Com- 
mander of such Ship will be instructed to wait at Galveston until 
Mr Kennedy shall have transmitted those Despatches to you at 
the Seat of Government, and received your answer, and to wait 
still further at Galveston, if you should express a wish to that 
effect ; and he will eventually take back to Jamaica any De- 

»F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. 

^"Guizot's instructions to Saligny, dated January 17, 1845, were sim- 
ilar to those sent by Aberdeen to Elliot on January 23. For wording 
.if essential clauses, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 
199. 

■^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. 



438 Texas State Historical Association 

spatehes for Her Majesty's Government, with which he may be 
entrusted by you or by Mr Consul Kennedy. 

It is presumed that the detention of the Ship at G-alveston 
for ten days, or at most a fortnight, will be sufficient to give 
you time to communicate with the Texian Government, and en- 
able you to give to Her Majesty's Government, some idea of the 
probable course which events may take in Texas with reference 
to the matters treated of in my Despatches. Nevertheless, if 
you should deem it essential for the publick Service to detain 
the Ship still longer, you will consider yourself authorized to 
so do, but you will of course, in any case, not keep her longer 
than may be really necessary. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot, E. N". 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ - 

'No. 4.^^ Galveston. 

February 8th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that Congress 
in this Country adjourned on the 3d Instant till their next reg- 
ular Session in December of this year. 

A Bill to reduce the tariif to a uniform rate of 10 per Cent 
ad valorum has failed, but from frequent conversation with the 
President on the subject, and in view of the improving finance 
of the Country I believe there is every prospect of a modifica- 
tion to that extent during the next Session of Congress It 
should be mentioned in connexion with this point that the en- 
creased amount of revenue has enabled Congress to repeal the 
Act authorising the issue of Exchequer paper, and all the pay- 
ments of the Government are now practically made in specie. 

I believe that nothing direct has been done in Congress re- 
specting Annexation, but incidentally there has been evidence 
of the continued prevalence of feeling in support of the Measure 
from different parts of the Country, and still more decisively by 

'=F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 

"F. 0., Texas, 13, Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 3, January 25. 1845, has 
been omitted. It related to the claims of Mr. S. Merana upon the Mexi- 
can government. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 439 

the fate of certain resolutions against it, presented in the House 
of Representatives on the 15tli Ultimo The resolutions and a 
brief sketch of the debate upon the occasion of their presenta- 
tion is herewith transmitted for Your Lordship's perusal, from 
which it will be observed that their reception was rejected by a 
Vote of 19 to 18. 

By another extract" from the Galveston Civilian of the 5th 
Instant, and that paper is one of the best conducted and most 
influential in the Country, Your Lordship will remark that these 
proceedings have given general satisfaction Upon the whole I 
incline to the opinion that there is a growing disposition here 
to believe that Annexation will be very difficult in the United 
States; a state of feeling which of course encourages the party 
in favour of Independence, and if the present effort in the United 
States is defeated, it is possible that there will be a considerable 
manifestation in Texas against any further entertainment of the 
subject. 

Several leading men in the Country are only waiting for an 
opportunity, and will probably declare themselves against it de- 
cisively and energetically as soon as they think they can do so 
without mischief to their popularity. 

Another indication of the spirit of Congress is the rejection 
by the Senate of Mr. Terrell and Colonel Eiley as their repre- 
sentatives in Great Britain and the United States, and I also 
learn that no appropriation has been made for the support of 
any persons in those Stations. The pretext for these proceed- 
ings is economy, but the improved state of the finance is the 
sufficient answer to that plea and their real motive no doubt, is 
the dislike of those Gentlemen to the Annexation project, with 
perhaps some feeling that this Government would avail itself of 
the presence of a representative in Europe to facilitate combina- 
tions adverse to Annexation. 

Without under valuing any inference deducible from these 
proceedings of Congress, I would take the liberty to remind 
Your Lordship that the House of Eepresentatives is elected an- 
nually by the way of universal suffrage, and it would be unsound 
and unjust to consider that the decisions of such a Body afford 

"All enclosures in this letter are newspaper cuttings from the Galves- 
ton Civilian, but are without date. 



440 Texas State Historical Association 

a fair average method of estimating the feeling of the respectable 
prudent and intelligent portions of the public. Generally speak- 
ing in these Countries the persons best suited in point of char- 
acter and ability to the oifice of representatives do not offer 
themselves as Candidates, or would certainly be defeated if they 
did, and so far as I can observe it is almost a rule that the least 
eligible of those who do present themselves will be chosen. 

This condition of things has the unfortunate result of con- 
stantly lowering the standard of the Legislative Bodies to the 
level of the masses of the Electors, who in their turn are as con- 
stantly tending downwards politically considered, both from the 
large immigration of ignorant persons, and still more so from the 
want of motive to fit and improve themselves as safe depositaries of 
political power, a deficiency chiefly attributable to the absence of 
some required qualifications, however moderate, in point of ca- 
pacity, pursuit, character, or property. 

Judging from a near point of view I venture to say that uni- 
versal suffrage seems to me to be mere accidental privilege in 
respect of origin, with none of the securities, and guarantees, 
and advantages by which that kind of power is accompanied 
under other modifications of it. For the most part they who 
have nothing to win or to lose neither preconsider nor reflect, 
but exercise their political right in the spirit of the very hour, 
be it what it may, ignorant or heedless of the lessons of the past, 
and probably incited rather than deterred, as respects conse- 
quences, by the warnings of the wise and the just. 

The course of Congress in Texas affords evidence no doubt of 
the actual state of popular impression at any given moment, but 
Your Lordship will readily conceive how suddenly that may be 
fashioned into any other shape by hands and voices accustomed 
to that task; and if it will not always be quite accurate to esti- 
mate the feeling of the more prudent part of the public from 
the proceedings in Congress, by an inverse process, it only re- 
mains to observe that those proceedings afford no means of judg- 
ing at all of the opinions or wishes of thoughtful persons, any 
more than of the constancy of the prevailing popular humour. 

Such is the state of the case as respects the conclusions to be 
drawn from the late Measures of Congress in Texas, and I be- 
lieve that the view T have in other places had the honour to 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 



441 



submit to Your Lordship is sound, that is, that the course of 
the people of Texas will depend in a great degree upon the pro- 
ceedings in the United States, 

If they are disappointed of their hopes in that quarter during 
the present Session of Congress in the United States, there may 
come a moment of dissatisfaction and excitement in which it 
would be practicable to arrange definitely upon a sounder basis 

Charles Elliot. 

The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P, s. Galveston Feby— . 8th. 1845. 

Since the above was written, an account of the latest pro- 
ceedings in Congress before it's adjournment has reached us, 
from which I find that the Senate had succeeded in carrying 
an amendment of the Appropriation Bill, to some extent, respect- 
ing the support of Diplomatic Agents: A sum of $9,000 was 
voted for the service of the year under that head, which would 
enable the Government to sustain two representatives, probably, 
one in the United States and one in Europe. I also learn from 
a Member that a Bill reducing the tariff by a gradual process, 
to a uniform rate of 15 per Cent ad valorum had passed, but I 
have reason to think that it will not be approved by the Presi- 
dent, who is unwilling to touch the Duties till the experience of 
another year has enabled them to judge how far that can be done 
wi:h security to the necessities of the Government, on a specie 

basis. 

Charles Elliot 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

■^Q 5_ Galveston. 

February 8th. 1845. 

My Lord, 

Herewith I have the honour to transmit to Your Lordship the 
Copy of certain resolutions" reported by the Committee on the 
State of the Eepublic in the House of Eepresentatives on the 
29th Ultimo. The report of the Committee was accepted, but 

'T. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 

^'Unidentified newspaper cuttings giving a resolution of the House of 
Representatives declaring that if annexation failed, the government 
should seek treaties with foreign powers, beneficial to Texan products. 



442 Texas State JJistorical Association 

the resolutions were rejected by a considerable Majority, in the 
feeling, as I am told, that they seemed to be drawn up in some 
disposition to constrain the action of Congress in the United 
States. 

I also avail myself of the opportunity to forward a letter 
written by the Eepresentatives of this County in Congress, and 
published in a newspaper here,^'' upon the subject of the late 
difficulty between the President and General Green which I think 
Your Lordship will wish to peruse. 

Like everji;hing else that has transpired upon that subject, 
it is deserving of attention. 

I should mention that General Green has some time since taken 
the Oaths as a Citizen of Texas, and has I believe gone down to 
Corpus Christ! on business connexion with a Gentleman of the 
name of Kinney, engaged in trade with the Mexicans across the 
frontier 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN'S 

Separate. Galveston 

February 8th 1845. 
My Lord, 

Congress having now separated in Texas till December 1845, 
and Congress in the United States being about to do so on the 
4th. Proximo, I take the liberty of requesting Your Lordship's 
attention to some considerations connected with my own posi- 
tion in this Country 

It appears to me that in the present unsettled state of the 
question of Annexation there is not merely no use in my con- 
stant presence in Texas during the recess of those Bodies, but 
on the contrary, certain and inexpedient exposure to a contin- 
uance of those rumours of undue influence on the part of Her 
Majesty's Government, got up for purposes of mischievous ex- 
citement here and in the United States, of which one remark- 
able instance has recently been reported to Your Lordship. This 

"Unidentified newspaper cutting. 
"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 443 

Government is still only temporarily situated at Washington, 
where there is neither lodging nor convenience of any kind, nor 
steady communication with the Coast, and from whence the 
President and most of the Members of his Cabinet are absent 
as much as possible during the recess. 

Beyond these considerations it should be mentioned that it 
is one of the most unhealthy situations of which I have any 
knowledge in my 80 years experience of the bad climates of the 
World, and therefore till this Government is permanently fixed 
somewhere it is not to be expected that any of the foreign 
Agents accredited to it, should establish themselves at such a 
point. 

They have none of them done so, merely going there when 
they had any business with the Government. By a law passed 
in the late Session of Congress it has been determined that the 
situation of a permanent seat for the Government should be 
settled by a Majority of the Votes of the people in the Elections 
of 1847. And in the present state of all the circumstances of 
the case I would submit to Your Lordship that I should be 
allowed to reside in the United States during the recess of Con- 
gress in Texas, (unless I may at any time have business with 
the Government requiring my presence here) of course at some 
point where I should be in the line of my correspondence with 
Your Lordship, and with Her Majesty's Ministers at Washington 
and Mexico. 

If this arrangement is sanctioned T shall proceed to join 
my family in Philadelphia as soon as I have had the honour to 
receive Your Lordship's reply and remain to the Northward till 
the Autumn, unless I should receive any Instructions in the in- 
terval requiring me to return here before that time, which I 
could do almost as soon as any Despatch could reach me in 
Texas; And indeed diiring the Summer Months owing to the 
frequent interruptions of the Mai] communications between ISTew 
Orleans and Galveston, probably sooner, unless the Despatches 
were forwarded by Special Messenger authorized to charter a ves- 
sel from New Orleans. On my return to New Orleans in the 
Antumn T should fix my family there or in the nighbourhood 
and come on myself to Texas for the meeting of Congress. 

Perhaps Your Lordship will give me leave to mention that I 



444 Texas State Historical Association 

have returned to my post this year in a sense of duty at risk 
and considerable private distress, for my health is not good, and 
owing to the severe sickness of my child I have been compelled 
to leave my family amongst strangers in a hotel at Philadelphia 

But I felt that this was not the moment to suffer myself to 
be influenced by personal considerations, and I hope I am not 
mistaken in the confidence that Your Lordship will deem it safe 
to the public interests to confide the point of my residence in, 
or absence from Texas, to my own sense of the necessity. I 
may remark that my American Colleague has the authority of 
his Government to go to the United States, whenever he con- 
siders that he can absent himself, and the French Charge d' 
Affaires tells me that he thinks himself at liberty in the present 
unsettled state of this (rovernment, only to come here when he 
has business or during the meeting of Congress. In fact whether 
we are at Galveston or New Orleans is a matter of indifference, 
with some advantage in point of easy receipt of intelligence in 
favour of the latter place. 

Till the affairs of tliis Country are settled; too, the immigra- 
tion of persons of respectability is out of the question, and con- 
stituted as Society is at present, I can neither consent to expose 
my family to the total unsuitableness of a residence here, or 
afford to keep them part in England, part in the United States, 
and myself in Texas. 

I am aware that Your Lordship is not called upon to weigh 
such considerations, but I permit myself to state them for they 
must of course influence my own proceedings 

Your Lordship will scarcely need to be informed that if the 
half of my salary is to be stopped whilst I am in the United 
States, I cannot avail myself of the sanction to reside there, for 
I have no private fortune, and my actual allowances barely en- 
able me to maintain my family. Indeed I will frankly state 
that I have only been prevented from applying for a higher rate 
of allowance in a post where the expences are regulated by the 
scale of prices at New Orleans (the dearest place in the United 
States) and let me add, in a post where the duties, and risks, 
and indeed the painfulness of employment are probably equal to 
those of any similar station in the Service of the Crown, by a 
feeling of extreme repugnance to ask for any thing for myself. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 445 

Neither have I been without the hope that Your Lordship may 
be disposed to remove me to some better position whenever that 
can be done with convenience to the public interest. 

Till then it must be unnecessary to say that my services are 
at the disposal of Her Majesty's Grovernment here or any where 
ehe that Your Lordship may see fit to leave me, or to send me. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 
Downing Street. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 6. Galveston 

February 15th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

Since I last had the honour of addressing Your Lordship the 
Annexation resolutions adopted by the House of Eepresentatives 
in the United States have been received here.^° 

I certainly have no belief that they will pass through the Sen- 
ate ; But if they should, such is the humour here that it is prob- 
able even these hard conditions would be accepted by a Majority 
of the people of Texas. At the same time it is certain that the 
tenour of the resolutions, is much below the expectations of the 
friends of the Measure, and occasioning considerable disappoint- 
ment in that quarter, they have naturally had the effect of en- 
couraging the hopes of the party, favourable to Independence, 
small as yet in point of numbers, but I think upon the whole 
gaining strength and confidence. 

It is beginning to be insisted both in the press, and amongst 
the people with more of openness than I have hitherto remarked, 
that it is more manifest than [that] Annexation cannot be 
achieved on any terms that this Country ought to accept; that 

''F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 

-"The "Brown" resolutions passed the Unites States House of Repre- 
sentatives on January 25, offering to admit Texas as a state, without 
further negotiation of an annexation treaty. Benton in the Senate intro- 
duced a bill providing instead for a new negotiation. This was amended 
to permit the President to select either mode he preferred, and as amended, 
passed the Senate on February 27, and the House on February 28. (Text 
of the resolutions as joined, and approved by Tyler, in U. S Docs Ser 
No. 470, Doc. 1, p. 34.) 



446 Texas State Historical Association 

the conditions of these resolutions are entirely one sided as to 
advantage, and little short of insulting to Texas in point of lan- 
guage; that the charge of a State Govei'nment would be as heavy 
to this people as their present Establishments, that brought un- 
der the more burdensome fiscal system of the United States, 
and with the amount of the duties going to the Treasury of the 
United States, they would be at once living more chargeably, 
and trading less advantageously, and therefore even less able 
than they are now to meet their expenditure by direct taxa- 
tion; that if they are to sacrifice all their present means of de- 
fraying their expence, and to be left with no other fund for 
the discharge of their debts than the proceeds of land sales, it 
was at least just that the Government of the United States 
should have guaranteed to them the peaceful and full possession 
of the territory which they claim to be Texas, that the United 
States can no doubt very well afford to be liberal to Mexico in 
respect of limits, being perfectly free of liabilities for the debts 
of Texas, that they are by no means satisfied with the vague 
expression that Congress is to take over the territory properly 
"included within, and rightfully belonging to the Eepublic of 
Texas"; and that they hold it to be out of the question under 
the circumstances of being left with the burden of their debts 
and expences, to concede to the United States the right of nego- 
tiating away their territory, or ever to enter into any Annexa- 
tion arrangement with that Country unless the integrity of their 
present limits is effectually guaranteed. 

Great dislike is expressed to the admission of any conditions 
respecting the Institution of Slavery vsdthin the limits of Texas; 
and beyond these and a variety of other considerations, it is in- 
sisted that it is impossible in any fair construction of the Con- 
stitution of Texas to take the sense of the people upon this 
momentous subject, and to have adopted a new Constitution as 
a State of the x4merican Union for presentation to Congress in 
the United States, on or before the 1st January 1846, the period 
allowed for that purpose by the Resolutions of the House of Rep- 
resentatives. I enclose for Your Lordship's perusal the provi- 
sions of the Constitution in that particular,^^ from which it 

"Elliot enclosed a copy of that part of the Texan constitution entitled 
"Gfeneral Provisions," Section IT (on amendments). As in Poore, Char- 
ters and Constitutions, II, 1761-1762. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 447 

would certainly appear to be scarcely practicable to accomplish 
this object within the specified time. 

The first necessary step would be a call of the present Con- 
gress (in existence till the first Monday in next September) by 
a majority of which the proposed change must be agreed to, 
and referred by them to the Congress next to be chosen, which 
could not assemble again at the very earliest before the middle 
of October. 

If that Congress should pass the proposed measure it would 
have to be submitted again to the people and making every 
allowance for the readiness with which they would enter into 
schemes to accelerate this matter, I think it could hardly come 
back to Congress, and bave been adopted in time to reach Wash- 
ington in the United States by the 1st January 1846. 

My own impression is that although these resolutions may 
fail in the Senate, it is probable enough that some Measure will 
pass that body, intended to maintain a state of expectation in 
this Government and people; perhaps proposals to renew the 
Negotiations for settlement by treaty, and in that case I should 
consider it fortunate rather than otherwise that these resolu- 
tions have passed the House, for they will indicate to the people 
of Texas the kind of terms which can be carried through the 
Legislature of the United States; and the more these terms are 
examined the less acceptable must they be in this quarter. If 
the affair should take the turn of Negotiation again, there is 
reason to think that accommodation will be more difficult than 
it would have been before the appearance and passage of these 
Resolutions; though after all Her Majesty's Government must 
be sensible that objections in Texas must always be liable to give 
way before the representations and management of the Govern- 
ment of the United States. 

Your Lordship will I believe hear with satisfaction that Mr 
Ashbell Smith has been appointed Secretary of State, and I am 
expecting to have the pleasure of seeing him here in the course 
of a few days. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



448 Texa,'^ Stuie llistoricol AssocmHoh 

ELI.IOT TO .iBERDEEN=^- 

Secret. Galveston, 

February 17th 1845 
My Lord, 

Herewith 1 have the honour to transmit to Your Lttrdship 
tJie Copy of an Aet entitknl, "An Act to incorporate the Texas 
Trading Mining and Emigrating Company,''-* passed on the 30th 
January 1841. which has hud a dead letter in the Statute Book 
till the last Session, during which 1 observe that an Act supplemen- 
tary to it has been passed. I have not seen that Act but I believe 
it is merely to authorize the opening of Books for the sale of 
Stocks etc. etc. I tliink it right however to forward the funda- 
nuMital Act without loss of time because I perceive that certain 
parties forming part of the Body Corporate, are resident in Lon- 
don (Messrs. Jonathan and Arthur Ikin). I learn from good 
authority that Genei-al Puff Gi"een has constituted himself Presi- 
dent of the Board of Resident Directors, and I have reason to 
think it is intended to raise money in London as well as the 
Tnited States in furtherance of the project. 

Believing that nothing but loss and serious mischief can ac- 
crue from such speculations under such management I take the 
liberty to suggest to Your Lordship that it may be desirable to 
cause some prudent and experienced |>ei"sons in the City of Lon- 
don to W contidentially advertised of the possibility of the at- 
tempt to raise funds on these pretences, and of the very high 
probabilitA' that the result will be a dead loss. Her Majesty's 
Government too. will I am aware. l>e wishfiil to do whatever 
may be in their power to prevent the involvement of British 
Subjects and Capital in that web of political and Commercial 
speculation against ^fexico which theiv is reason to think has 
not wanted some countenance from persons in high stations in 
the Tnited States. 

General Green does not appear to have carried any of his 
devices through the Legislature during it's last Session owing to 
circumstances known to Your Lordship: but in that disappoint- 
ment this Act seems to have presented itself to his attention. 

«F. 0.. Texas. Vol. 18. 
**Xot transoiiK\t. 



British Corra^'poudeiicc ConceniiiKj Texas -i-lO 

and in truth it is very capable of being turned to account by- 
persons versed in the art of managing such baits upon public 
credulity. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honourable. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN-* 

^'o 8." Galveston 

February 23d. 1845 
My Lord, 

Thinking it probable that Your Lordship may desire to see 
something of the opinions of the press in this Country at the 
present Crisis, leaning against Annexation, I have taken the 
liberty to cut out the accompanying articles from one or two 
leading papers,28 in preference to forwarding the Journals them- 
selves, not otherwise worth tlio heavy cliarge of postage through 
the United States. 

The articles from the "Texas National Register^' are prob- 
ably inserted with the knowledge and approbation of the Govern- 
ment 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" 

^•^ ^- Galveston. 

Februaiy S4th. 1845 
My Lord. 

I have had the honour to receive Your Lordship's despatches 
to No 14 inclusive, of last year, and it is gratifying to me to 
reflect that I have been acting in such close accordance with the 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 

"There appears to be no despatch No. 7 from Elliot to Aberdeen in 
1845. Presumably, Elliot made an error in numberin<j. 

^''Newsiiaper euttings of three editorials from the Galveston Chnlian, 
February 12, 19. and 22, 1845. and of two editorials from the Texas 
National Register, February 8 and 15, 1845. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



450 Texas State Historical Association 

Instructions and policy of Her Majesty's Government since my 
return here. 

Mr Ashbell Smith arrived at Galveston last Evening and I 
shall take an early opportunity of reporting the substance of my 
communications with him, but so far as I can judge from what 
he has yet said to me Your Lordship has nothing further to 
learn respecting the policy and wishes of this Government. 

I shall avail myself of some early and safe occasion to press 
upon Mr Bankhead the readiness of this Government to enter 
into Negotiation with Mexico, and the importance of inducing 
them to respond to those dispositions as soon after the separa- 
tion of Congress in the United States as possible 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 4. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston February 25th 1845 
My Lord. 

Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires to this Eepublic would 
doubtless have apprized Your Lordship, by the Mail from Bos- 
ton on the 1st of next Month, that, a short time previous to the 
adjournment of the Texan Congress on the 3rd Instant the Sen- 
ate rejected the nomination of Mr Terrell, as the accredited rep- 
resentative of the Government to Great Britain and France. 

It was generally understood at the period when the rejection 
took place, that this Measure was prompted by Mr Terrell's 
avowed hostility to the project of Annexation. From all that 
has since transpired, it is manifest that it was attributable to 
no other cause. In whatever quarter the Matter has been dis- 
cussed, not a Syllable has been uttered, depreciatory of Mr Ter- 
•rell's character, or capacity. 

In a communication marked 'Ttivate," and dated "Washing- 
ton, February 13th, (but not posted until the 20th), which 
President Jones has addressed to me, he adverts to Mr Terrell's 
rejection, and states that — "he will return home so soon as let- 

^'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 14. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 451 

ters can reach him." — I take leave to copy for Your Lordship's 
perusal, the observations of the President in relation to the re- 
call of Mr Terrell, and Colonel Dangerfield, the Charge d' Affaires 
of the Republic in Holland. 

"Colonel Dangerfield will also return early in the Spring. It 
is probable that I will send over some one in their place, but 
as yet have not fixed upon the individual. In the meantime^ I 
feel anxious that any important jSTegotiations we may have with 
England and France should be conducted in Texas, and that 
their representatives here should be fully empowered for that 
purpose. In this way we can act much more efficiently and 
promptly as circumstances may arise, than if these Negotiations 
were to be carried on in London, as Lord Aberdeen has hereto- 
fore desired." 

I may remark that the late Congress of Texas refused to re- 
ceive the petition of certain Citizens deprecating the Annexation 
of this Country to the United States, but received, and vsdth 
especial notice, similar documents containing opinions and dec- 
larations favourable to that Measure. 

William Kennedy 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ 

N'o 5 Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston, Febraury 26th 1845. 
My Lord, 

On the 17th of December last, a paragi'aph appeared in a 
Newspaper published in Charleston, South Carolina, stating that 
the British Consul in that City had intimated by Circular, that 
Sugar produced in the United States would thereafter pay in 
"the British Dominions" (United Kingdom) a duty of £1-14-0 
per Cwt. 

Towards the close of last Month, this pragraph was brought 
under my notice in a Communication from the Treasury De- 
partment of the Texan Government, and I was requested, for the 
information of a Congressional Committee on the State of the 
Republic to signify whether the allegation in the Newspaper para- 

^T. 0., Texas, Vol. 14. 



452 Texas State Historical Association 

graph was correct, and whether "there were" a discriminating 
duty of £3-3-0 per Cwt on the Sugars of Cuba and Brazil, when 
imported into the United Kingdom, and also what amount of 
duty was at present paid on Colonial Sugars there introduced. — 
The Communication referred to closed with these words: 

"If the aforesaid discrimination really exist, the Sugars of 
Texas being entitled by Treaty to equality in Great Britain with 
those of the most favoured Nation, ought to become a profitable 
product of this Country for the British Market. 

Immediately on receipt of this Communication, I forwarded, 
for the information of the Congressional Committee, copies of 
a London daily Newspaper, containing ample reports of the Par- 
liamentary debate on the Sugar Duties Bill, of last year. In a 
letter of reply dated 35th January, I stated that I had "no 
official knowledge of any steps taken by Her Majesty's Consul 
at Charleston, in relation to the Law lately passed, regulating 
the import of Sugars into the United Kingdom." — I then ad- 
verted to the Act itself (7 and 8 Victoria, cap. 28) and pro- 
ceed to copy, for the consideration of the Committee, those of 
its provisions that were apposite to the Matters of inquiry, in- 
timating that I had but recently received my official copy of the 
Act, which had, not been accompanied by any Instructions from 
Her Majesty's Government. 

From my knowledge of the Soil and Climate of Texas, and 
the evidence afforded by specimens of Sugar grown in the Coun- 
try, I feel fully warranted in expressing the opinion that Sugar, as 
well as Cotton, will form an important article of export from 
the Eepublic, when its political independence has ceased to be 
a Matter of uncertainty, — provided a profitable Market can be 
found. — I have reason to believe that the expectation of find- 
ing such a Market in tbe United States has been one induce- 
ment to the Texan planters to desire incorporation into +he 
L^nion. At present, they do not hope, under the burthen of a 
discriminating duty, to compete advantageously with the Sugar- 
growers of Louisiana, although they enjoy a superiority of cli- 
mate, if not of Soil. — Persons of experience think that Sugar 
as the surer crop, is destined to supersede Cotton on the rich 
alluvion of the low lying lands of Middle Texas. It is antici- 
pated that the capital requisite for its cultivation would soon be 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 453 

forthcoming, were Annexation to the United States consum- 
mated; A market for the product would then be found at home, 
while lands now waste, or subjected to a very imperfect tillage, 
would, command a price calculated to raise the owners from the 
condition of a barren proprietorship to a state of comparative 
opulence 

The Committee of Congress on the state of the Eepublic, when 
instituting their inquiries respecting the British Sugar Market, 
were doubtless desirous to ascertain whether, in the event of 
Texas retaining her independence, an equivalent for the advan- 
tages secured to the home grown under the American System 
of protection, might be found elsewhere. 



William Kennedy, 



The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^" 

ISTo 10. Galveston 

March 6th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

I have recently had several communications with Mr Ashbell 
Smith respecting the policy and dispositions of this Govern- 
ment. He believes, with the President, that the temper of this 
people is changing, and that if terms of Independence are speed- 
ily offered by Mexico they will be very generally acceptable and 
steadfastly maintained. 

But he dwells a good deal (as the President had done,) on 
the increasing strength of a rising Sugar growing interest in 
Texas, as the party most favorable to Annexation, and expresses 
much hope that Her Majesty's Government will be willing to 
make some proposals in that respect calculated to weaken these 
dispositions. 

I observed that he could have hardly failed to remark during 
his late residence in England firstly that the principle of dis- 
criminating duties was not favourably regarded there, and 
secondly with respect to the sugar duties, that owing to a variety 
of causes and the union of a great body of political opinion, 
otherwise of various shades, upon one consideration connected 
with that branch, of the public revenue; it might be very diflfi- 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



454 Texas State Historical Association 

cult for Her Majesty's Government to propose any discrimina- 
tion in favour of the sugar produced in Texas, under it's present 
circumstance.^^ At the same time I would say, speaking with- 
out authority and entirely as a matter of private opinion that 
it seemed to me that the rate of duty to be charged upon Texas 
sugar (considered apart from the general bearing of any relaxa- 
tion in that respect) was a matter of no consequence : 

For I had a conviction that Texas grown Sugar could never 
come into consumption in any large way in that Market, even 
supposing for a moment that it was admitted at a mere nominal 
higher rate than our ovm Colonial produce. 

Mr Smith must be aware that it could never be laid down 
in England at such a price as would enable it to compete with 
the Sugar of Countries better suited to that kind of production 
under any amount of differential duty that there was the least 
reason to suppose could ever exist between the Sugar even of 
our own Colonies, and of those Countries. I had had a long 
experience in Sugar producing Countries in all parts of the 
World, and it was plain to me that if there should ever be 
any attempt to grow Sugar on an extensive scale in Texas, the 
result would be disastrous to the parties concerned, and ex- 
tremely unfortunate for the well understood interests of the Ee- 
public. 

He admitted that this might be the case, but still he had no 
doubt that any evidence of the favourable disposition of Her 
Majesty's Government in that particular would be attended with 
excellent effects here at the present moment, and he sincerely 
hoped that something would be done in that sense. 

I said I certainly believed Your Lordship would be well dis- 
posed to recommend a general and liberal relaxation in favour 
of the produce of Texas if the Legislature of this Eepublic; by 
the modification of their own tariff would afford some proper 
grounds for sustaining such a policy in Parliament. The fact 

"In the British free trade agitation of 1844-1845, there was much dis- 
cussion of the duties discriminating in favor of colonial as against for- 
eign sugars. The first break in the protective idea in relation to colonial 
sugars, came in a proposal (1844) to give an advantage to foreign 
sugars produced by countries not maintaining slavery. Elliot's answer to 
Smith here indicates, therefore, the difficulty he sees in getting any ad- 
vantages for Texas, a slave state. 



Bntish Correspondence Concerning Texas 455 

that the tariffs of the United States and Mexico were both very 
burdensome to British Commerce would naturally place a differ- 
ent policy on the part of Texas in a strong and favourable light, 
and speaking for myself, I did hope and believe that it would 
be in the power of Her Majesty's Government, as I am sure it 
would be at all events their wish, to meet such arrangements 
on the part of Texas, in the most friendly and liberal spirit. 
Mr. Smith had fully collected that impression from Your Lord- 
ship's Conversations with him, and the President reposed im- 
plicit Confidence in the just and kind feelings of Her Majesty's 
Government. 

Mr Smith made a brief summary of the points which he 
wished to be drawm under Your Lordship's particular attention 
as best conducive in his mind, to a safe and final adjustment 
of this question, due regard being had to the certain renewal 
of the subject in the United States by the Administration of 
Mr Polk, the temper of the people of Texas, and the situation 
of this Government. 

1st That Mexico should at once propose the acknowledgment 
of the complete Independence of Texas. 

2nd That Texas upon her part would in that case stipulate 
in the treaty never to annex herself, or to become subject to 
any country whatever. 

3rd. That the question of limits, and indemnity for any por- 
tion of the territory should be the subject of Negotiation, and 
if disputes or difficulties should arise in the Negotiations Mr 
Smith thinks that there would be no objection on the part of 
Texas to adjustment by the arbitration of umpires. He re- 
marked with regard to indemnity for any portion of the terri- 
tory that he certainly believed the people of Texas would con- 
sent to pay it, but it was only just to admit that he saw no 
means of making the payment within any period of time, that 
it would be safe to indicate now. The liability, however, would 
remain, and the Country would discharge it, as soon as they 
could. 

He pressed upon the point of limits that the people of Texas 
would certainly strongly insist upon going, at least Coast wise, 
as far as the Mouth of the Rio Grande; and he urged that it 
was for the safety and convenience of Mexico to consent to that, 



456 Texas State Historical Association 

for even if the people could be brought to take the line of the 
"Nueces" for the present, he thought there was reason to ap- 
prehend further troubles at no remote period arising out of these 
claims to the line of the Eio Grande which they had so long 
been accustomed to consider was their frontier. 

I told Mr Smith I would of course communicate his %dews 
to Your Lordship by the earliest opportunity, but whilst I was 
without the means of forming any opinion upon the willingness 
of Her Majesty's Government to press these territorial preten- 
sions upon Mexico, for the subject never had been adverted to 
in any Communication of Your Lordship to me, I could not but 
state my own impression that there was very little reason to sup- 
pose that they would ever be admitted by Mexico. 

I may take tlie liberty however, in this place to state my own 
opinion to Your Lordship that whilst it would certainly be for 
the safety of Mexico to adhere to the line of the Nueces as the 
Western frontier of Texas, by reason of the desert nature of 
the Country between that river and the Rio Grande, it would 
no doubt be a matter of general and considerable convenience 
to the foreign trade with Texas, to endeavor to secure from Mex- 
ico the cession of the Keys or Islands facing the Coast, as far 
down as the Harbour of Brasses. Santiago, at the Mouth of 
the Eio Grande. This despatch affords me a convenient occasion 
to mention to Your Lordship that recent communications have 
taken place between General Arista Commanding in the North 
of Mexico, and by them no doubt made known to this Govern- 
ment. 

I am disposed to think from what I have learnt of that 
Officer's character and opinions, and the general temper of the 
Provinces contiguous to Texas, as well as from other Circum- 
stances in Your Lordship's knowledge, that it is quite probable 
there may be some reports of considerable importance in con- 
templation, the further development of which may depend in 
a great degree upon the course of the new Governments in Mex- 
ico and the United States. 

It seems to me forming my opinion partly from information 
and partly from reflection that General Arista's schemes pro- 
pose the junction of Texas with the Provinces contiguous to 
this Country for the purpose of securing from the Central Gov- 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 457 

eminent some such relfuation as was recently wrung from Santa 
Anna at Yucatan, and it may be that failing in that object there 
may be some renewed attempt to form what Your Lordship will 
remember to have heard of as the "Bepublic of Eio Grande." 
Her Majesty's Government will probably have better informa- 
tion upon these points from Mexico than I can furnish from 
here, but I make no doubt that some project of the kind, is in 
contemplation, though it may be that circumstances will con- 
spire to defeat it for the present. It should be mentioned in 
connexion with this subject that the trade between Texas and 
Mexico has been steadily improving since the Armistice of June 
1843, and if nothing should occur to interrupt it (which is less 
likely, since the mended finance of this Country has enabled the 
Government to Station a small force on the frontier for the 
maintainence of order, and the protection of the traders) I be- 
lieve it will soon be of considerable political importance, as 
well as Commercial. 

Mr Smith observed, to me in the course of conversation a 
day or two since, that if Mexico should require guarantees for 
the faithful execution of the treaty respecting the abandonment 
of any further Annexation projects, he thought it was possible 
that the Governments of Her Majesty and The King of the 
French might not be averse to offer them. I said I was with- 
out any information upon that subject, and could form no opin- 
ion upon it. But I venture here to state to Your Lordship my 
own belief that the best guarantee for Mexico in that particu- 
lar would be in the suitableness of the Scheme itself to the in- 
terests of this people, and the certainty that the Country upon 
an independent footing would rapidly fill up with a population 
not at all disposed to connect themselves in that way with the 
L^nited States. 

I think that it might be pressed with force, and I am sure 
with great truth upon Mexico, that nothing could tend more to 
keep alive the feeling of hostile eagerness in the United States 
or here, in favour of Annexation, than the knowledge of the ex- 
istence of any guarantees against it by the European Govern- 
ments. The sounder policy in my humble judgment would be 
that all parties should be left free to act according to circum- 



458 Texas State Historical Association 

stances in the event of any breach of this condition upon the 
part of Texas. 

With no confidence expressed in this respect by the European 
Governments, either in the United States or in Texas, it would 
probably be conjectured in both those quarters, that not much 
was felt, and that consideration would have it's weight without 
furnishing those overt means of exciting the population of these 
two Countries, that the formal stipulation of guarantees would 
certainly do. 

Observation and reflection have satisfied me (let the Scheme 
of Annexation to the United States upon it's present intention 
and footing be pushed to extremities when it may, either be- 
fore or after the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas 
by Mexico,) that Mexico has much more efficacious means of 
confounding the project, and responding formidably to the ag- 
gression, than seems to be generally contemplated either in the 
United States or here. 

I beg to mention to Your Lordship that I have taken the 
liberty to shew my French Colleague Monsieur de Saligny the 
communications which had passed between Her Majesty's and 
His own Government forwarded to me in Your Lordship's De- 
spatch N'o 13 of 1844, as he informed me that his own Instruc- 
tions did not come down to so late a date as mine. 

I need hardly say that I have always felt it particularly in- 
cumbent on myself, in the suspicion, or the pretended suspicion, 
respecting the undue exercise of British influence here, to cul- 
tivate the best underetanding with the Eepresentative of the 
French Government, and I add with pleasure that both He and 
his predecessor have constantly extended to me similar proofs of 
confidence and friendly feeling. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Eight Honourable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. I shall forward a Copy of this despatch to Her Majesty's 
Minister at Mexico. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 459 

ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^^ 

No. 11. Galveston 

March 7th. 1845. 

My Lord, 

I have the honour to enclose an Article extracted from the 
"Texas National Eegister"^^ understood to be the organ of the 
Govermnent upon the Scheme of Annexation proposed in the 
Eesolutions passed by the House of Eepresentatives in the United 
States 

If the Government were in a situation to sustain this tone 
by evidence that immediate settlement upon the basis of the 
Independence of the Countr)^ (or at all events a state of peace 
and security) was beyond a doubt, I think these Eesolutions 
would find little favour in this Country. But Her Majesty's 
Government will conceive that in the absence of definite and 
satisfactory assurances of a steady settlement as respects Mexico, 
it will always be easy for the Government of the United States 
to maintain a state of expectation in this Country. 

Entertaining little doubt that some measure calculated to pro- 
duce that effect wiU pass through the Legislature of the United 
States, probably powerfully supported by a strong tone on the 
part of the new President in his inaugural address, I certainly 
see reason to question the readiness of this people at once gen- 
erally and cordially to sustain the Government in the sense of 
tbis Article 

If however any overtures should be made by Mexico or from 
their quarters of a conclusive nature, the people would no doubt 
be more induced to abandon all further thought of Annexation 
than they would have been if these resolutions had been less 
hard and injurious than tbey certainly are. 

Charles Elliot. 

To The Eight Honourable 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. March 9—1845 

Since the above was written another Article has appeared in 
the "Texas National Eegister" of the 1st. Inst., adverse to the 

»'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 
^^For February 22, 1845. 



460 Texas State Historical Association 

principles of Mr. Benton's proposed Bill for the renewal of 
Annexation Negotiations. 

Charles Elliot. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^-* 

No. 14.35 Galveston. 

March 22d. 1845. 
My Lord, 

The intelligence of the success of the Annexation Measures 
in the United States arrived here two days since, and with the 
language of the new President in his inaugural address have 
certainly given some encouragement to the party favourable to 
the Scheme; But upon the whole it seems to me that less satis- 
faction and confidence are entertained by the more sagacious 
and watchful of that way of thinking than they profess to feel. 

Owing to some mischance either at New Orleans, or on the 
Voyage, I have not yet received my despatches by the 4th Feb- 
Tuary Mail, or any of a latter date than I have already had the 
honour to acknowledge, (No 14 of 1844) ; but I have fortu- 
nately received one private letter from Mr. Pakenham dated 24th 
Ultimo, informing me of the favourable dispositions of the Mex- 
ican Government, and I have lost no time in privately commu- 
nicating that intelligence to Mr Ashbell Smith; for Your Lord- 
ship will conceive how important it is, particularly at the present 
moment that this Government should have the certainty, that 
settlement upon the basis of Independence is within their reach. 

It is to be regretted that these tidings did not reach this 
Country before the late news from the United States, but still 
if the Mexican Government will adhere firmly to the determina- 
tion only to conclude upon the condition that Texas is to re- 
main an Independent Country, and stipulate for a prompt and 

"'F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 

^=F. 0., Texas, 13, Elliot to Aberdeen, Nos. 12, March 9, and 13, 
March 13, 1845, have been omitted. No. 12 referred to a Texan proc- 
lamation revoking letters of marque. No. 13 related to the "Little 
Penn" claims and transmitted copies of Elliot to Allen, January 8, 
1845, Smith to Elliot, February 22, 1845, and Elliot to Smith, March 10, 
1845. The first and second of these letters are calendared in Garrison, 
Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, II, 47, in Am. 
Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. The third apparently has not been printed, 
but is here omitted since none of the "Little Penn" correspondence has 
been included in this publication. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 461 

decisive answer from this quarter to that condition; I should 
see little reason to doubt that this question might be speedily 
and securely adjusted. Eapidity of action and liberality in point 
of terms from Mexico, have now become of indispensable necessity. 

But acting at once in that spirit with regard to Texas, it 
may I think be depended upon that they have the power of 
effectually averting the dangers by which they are menaced. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earfof Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 15. Galveston, 

March 24th 1845. 
My Lord, 

The accompanying Newspaper^' contains the report of the 
Committee on the State of the Eepublic in the House of Eep- 
resentatives transmitted in my despatch Ko 5 of this year. 

The debate upon the subject too is reported in this paper, 
and I think the whole is worthy of Your Lordships attention at 
the present moment. 

I would also claim Your Lordship's notice to the Editorial 
Articles in this paper, known to be the Government organ 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

JONES TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Washington on the Brazos. 
31st March. 1845. 
My Lord, 

Having received certain information of a willingness on the 
part of Mexico to treat with Texas on the basis of independ- 
ence, it has been thought best in order to take advantage of 

««F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 

"The Texas National Register, March 15, 1845. 

*^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 14. This letter is calendared by Garrison as 
printed in Jones, Memoranda and Official Correspondence, 475-476, but 
is here reprinted as of special interest in understanding Elliot's activities. 



462 Texas State IJistorical Association 

this favorable disposition on the part of the government of that 
Country, that Capt Elliot should proceed without delay to the 
City of Mexico to press this Matter to a conclusion with that 
government. 

Capt. Elliot has expressed the desire, that, as his proposed 
visit to Mexico when communicated to me, seemed in my opin- 
ion highly advisable and necessary I would communicate this 
opinion of mine to Your Lordsliip directly. 

I beg you will excuse the trouble I give you at this time, and 
accept the assurance of the esteem and very high consideration 
with which I have the honor to remain. 

Anson Jones. 
To, The Eight Honorable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Secret. Galveston. 

April 2d. 1845 
My Lord, 

I had the honour to receive Your Lordship's despatches to 
'No 3 inclusive of this year by Her Majesty's Ship "Electra" on 
the 24th Ultimo, and proceeded next morning with my Colleague 
M. de Saligny to Washington where we arrived on the 27th. 

Our chief desire was to reach that place with our instructions 
before the official account from the United States announcing 
the passage of the proposed Measure of Annexation through that 
Congress (one Copy said to be coming by the way of the Eed 
river) for we are perfectly sensible that the difficulties of our 
task would have been greatly increased, or it may be entirely 
insuperable, if the representations and other means of action of 
that Government upon this people, and through them upon this 
Government had preceded our own arrival at Washington. We 
were also aware that Major Donnelson the American Charge d' 
Affaires might be expected every hour in the Steam Boat looked 
for at Galveston when we left. 

There could therefore be but little time for the hopeful dis- 
patch of our own business before he would appear upon the 

*»F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 463 

scene with all the means he could naturally have for engaging 
this Government in an opposite direction, or at all events of 
effectually preventing them from engaging themselves in any way 
for the support of the independence of the Country. 

We ]iad the good fortune to arrive at Washington before any 
official tidings from the United States, and we hope that the 
Measure we were able to complete before disturbing circum- 
stances presented themselves will be satisfactory to our Govern- 
ments; a brief space, for Major Donnalson was actually within 
20 Miles of Washington when the Memorandum of Conference 
was signed, as Your Lordship will learn in the sequel of this 
report 

In a careful examination of the Situation of our circumstances 
during our voyage to Washington we could not fail to perceive 
that if the Scheme adopted in the United States should be that 
known as Mr Brown's resolutions the great immediate danger 
was in the success of the strenuous efforts to induce the Presi- 
dent forthwith to call a Session of Congress. The present Con- 
gress, in existence till the first Monday in September next, par- 
ticularly the House of Eepresentatives, is by far the least re- 
spectable or trustworthy that I have seen since my residence in 
this Country, and, has already so deeply committed itself to the 
Cause of Annexation that we felt every hope for the honourable 
and safe adjustment of this grave question must be relinquished 
unless the Assembly of that Body could be obviated. If the por- 
tion of the plan selected by the Governt of the United States 
should be Mr. Benton's resolution,*'' the danger indeed was of 
another kind, but certainly not at all less serious. Such a Com- 
mission from the United States sitting in Texas, as that Gen- 
tleman's project contemplates, founded upon an appropriation of 
$100,000, would at once over whelm the whole power and influ- 
ence of the Constituted Authorities of the land. In the one case 
the Nationality of the Country would be helped to destruction 
by the Assembly of their own Congress; In the other by the As- 
sembly of the Commissioners from the United States. 

Fully concurring in these opinions, and in view of the ad- 
vanced state of affairs we agreed that it was incumbent upon us 
to use every effort consistent with the object of our instructions to 

"See p. 445, note 20. 



464 Texas State Ilistorical Association 

induce this Government neitlier to assemble Congress, nor to 
entertain an}' Negotiation for Annexation, at all events for such 
a length of time as might enable our Governments to determine 
the Government of Mexico to acknowledge the independence of 
this Country, or failing in those efforts to provide for the emer- 
gency in any equally effectual manner by diplomatic Act in 
Europe with the representatives of this Eepublic. 

The President was not at Washington on the Evening of our 
arrival, but we had the advantage of full and frank communi- 
cation with Mr Ashbel Smith, and next morning with His Ex- 
cellency himself. We read to him our Instructions, and urged 
every argument that presented itself to us, whether founded upon 
the honour and advantage of the Country, or upon the ruinous 
consequences of Annexation, and the ambiguity and doubtful 
nature of the resolutions. They told us so far as they were per- 
sonally concerned it was unnecessary to insist upon these views. 
The President, speaking for himself, was sincerely desirous of 
maintaining the independence of the Country, but we were per- 
fectly aware that the Government in this Scheme of tilings was 
but the agent of the people. 

He thought therefore we must be prepared to hear that un- 
less he should be very speedily enabled to offer for the decision 
of the Country a Measure founded upon the acknowledgment of 
the Eepublic by Mexico, unaccompanied by any other than the 
condition to maintain their independence. He should feel that 
it was in vain to resist the tide, and that it was his duty to 
carry out the wish of the people whatever it may be. He was 
sensible however, of the risks and inconveniences of assembling 
the present Congress, or of the Meeting in Texas of the Com- 
mission of Negotiation from tlie United States, and was certainly 
prepared to incur every proper responsibility to avoid either of 
these alternatives. But it was not till the President had con- 
sulted his Cabinet twice in the course of the 28th., and requested 
us to meet them once, and urge our own views, that we were 
enabled to dispose him to agree to the arrangement which Your 
Lordship will find detailed in the Memorandum of Conference 
herewith transmitted. 

With the hope of facilitating that conclusion I offered after 
consultation with my Colleague, to proceed myself with the ut- 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 465 

most despatch and secrecy to Mexico in order to make a fres.h 
explanation to the Ministers of our Courts there of the extreme 
difficulty of the President's situation, and the urgency of im- 
mediate promptitude, and exact conformity to the preliminary 
arrangement here submitted. On that condition the President 
consented, but he exacted from us a personal assurance that the 
Memorandum of Conference, should only be confided to our 
Courts, and to the Ministers at Washington and Mexico. 

It must be admitted that His Excellency has not exaggerated 
the serious responsibility he has incurred. But we confidently 
hope that He may depend upon the early successful interven- 
tion of the two Courts at Mexico, and that Confidence was forti- 
fied by my own private information from Mr Pakenham, and 
subsequently by a private letter from Mr Bankhead dated March 
1st., also reporting the favourable dispositions of the new Gov- 
ernment. 

With these dispositions in that quarter we feel that it has 
been a point of great moment to prevent any sudden action 
here in an opposite direction and Your Lordship will judge 
how little time was left to us when I mention that we met Major 
Donnelson within 10 Miles of Washington scarcely six hours 
from the time that we had concluded, with eager requests to 
know if Congress was already convoked, and speaking of that 
Measure as one of course, and necessarily decisive of the whole 
matter. 

We told him that we supposed the Government were waiting 
the tidings, and that nothing had transpired of their purposes. 
But in spite of the earnest efforts of Major Donnelson and the 
friends of Annexation, it is our opinion that the steadfastness 
of the President to the present arrangement may be confidenti- 
ally depended upon and we are equally satisfied that he will keep 
his promise not to reassemble the present Congress. 

We cannot but express the hope that within the period of 
90 days our Governments will have either succeeded in dispos- 
ing Mexico to acknowledge the independence of Texas, or have 
forwarded to this Country such a formal declaration of their 
purpose to sustain it, and prevent further disturbance and com- 
plication from Mexico as will enable the friends of independence 
to defeat their opponents at the next election. The party on 



466 Texas State Historical Association 

the side of the first is naturally cautions, and unwilling to de- 
clare itself openly against the connexion with the United States 
whilst so much doubt exists. But it comprises a considerable 
portion of the intelligence and respectability of the Country, 
and I believe there is ground for the opinion that it is stronger 
than it appears to be, and that its friends will rally round it 
with courage and confidence as soon as they know authentically 
that it is within their reach. Major Donnelson's anxiety to 
learn where General Houston was (which we could not tell him 
exactly) was another significant hint of the direction in which 
he proposes to operate, and coming immediately from General 
Jackson for whom General Houston has so much friendship, it 
is not to be denied that his influence may be very powerful un 
that quarter. General Houston however has other friends in this 
Counti7 who will endeavour to keep him in the way of his abid- 
ing honour and duty and we have certainly heard nothing which 
leads us to dismiss the hope of their success 

In conformity with Your Lordship's directions I only com- 
municated the substance of Mr Bankhead's despatch with its 
inclosure, and indeed I must state that it would have been hope- 
less to induce the President to pause if he had been officially 
certified of the nature of some of the proposals made by Mexico. 
Nothing that is so much mixed with securities and guarantees 
upon the part of the European Powers, Great Britain in par- 
ticular, can be offered to this people, with the least hope of 
success, and the knowledge of these proposals of Mexico at the 
present moment would be decisive against the possibility of main- 
taining the Independence of the Country. They would light up 
a flame from one end of the North American Confederacy to 
the other. 

Pressed by the advanced state of the circumstances and the 
necessity of immediately meeting the danger of an Assembly of 
Congress, or opening of Negotiation with the United States, it 
has been out of our power with any regard to the objects of 
our instructions to confine ourselves to a report of the disposi- 
tions of the Government. Good as those dispositions are, the 
report we should have been compelled to make would virtually 
have involved an account of the sacrifice of the independence of 
the Country. But we have had the less hesitation in adopting 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 467 

the proposals made by Mr Smith as the basis of our proceed- 
ings, perceiving that they accord with the wish of our Govern- 
ments that Mexico should merely acknowledge the independence 
of Texas under a Stipulation that it should be maintained, leav- 
ing all other terms and conditions to be matter of Negotiation. 

I called the attention of the President and Mr Smith to the 
absence of any stipulation respecting indemnity, which Mr Smith 
had dclared their willingness to pay in the conversation reported 
in my despatch No 10. They said that they faithfully adhered 
to that offer, but they had avoided it's direct acknowledgment 
in the condition because they desired they should go before the 
people here on their return from Mexico in such a shape as 
would secure support, and they forcibly felt that they could not 
be altered in point of language without imminent danger to the 
prospect of success, already sufficiently critical. 

We availed ourselves of our late visit at Washington to press 
upon the President the unsuitableness of leaving our Courts 
without a representative of this Country at the present moment, 
and we said that we both felt it would be taken to be a strik- 
ing proof of the good dispositions of this Government at this 
Crisis, if His Excellency would send back his present Secretary 
of State. He was known and highly appreciated both in Lon- 
don and in Paris, and he would be able to afford such a com- 
plete explanation of the situation of circumstances here as would 
be very desirable at this time. 

We therefore trusted he would be reappointed, and desired to 
proceed to his post with the utmost despatch with full powers 
to conclude any engagement which might seem to the Govern- 
ments and himself to be necessary for the safety of the Country. 
What was done there might be sent out here to us, and acted 
upon or not according to the result from Mexico. The Presi- 
dent with his usual friendly confidence in us acceded to our 
request, and Mr Smith will probably reach England by the Mid- 
dle of May. 

I would wish to say to Your Lordship privately, that it was 
a point of importance with us in making this request that Mr 
Smith would probably be succeeded by Mr Allen the present 
Attorney General, a man of excellent sense, high character, and 
the best dispositions in this matter; and we have satisfaction in 



468 Texas State Historical Association 

saying that such is to be the case. Whilst Mr Smith will be 
of the highest use in Europe, it may be depended that Mr Allen 
will adequately and safely replace him here. Mr Smith told 
us that there had been great difficulty in inducing some of the 
Cabinet to consent to refrain from any movement in the direc- 
tion of the United States Negotiation, for so long a time, not 
from any good will to the resolutions, but because they con- 
scientiously felt that it would be almost impossible to keep the 
people patient for such a considerable period, and we cannot but 
admit that it will require the utmost degree of caution, firm- 
ness, and address upon the part of this Government to manage 
these affairs with success. 

I do not offer Your Lordship any excuse for the determina- 
tion to proceed to Mexico, for I hope that none can be neces- 
saiy. Personally considered, if I may venture to intrude a per- 
sonal consideration, it is distressing to me on several grounds; 
but the President attached so much importance to it, and ray 
Colleague advocated it so strongly that I have thought it my 
duty to go. I shall of course take every practicable precaution 
to keep my visit there strictly secret and shall not remain one 
day longer than may be necessary for purpose of full explana- 
tion. With the intention of concealment I shall cause it to be 
understood that the Electra has gone to Bermuda with despatches 
to meet the homeward Mail, and that She will drop me at Charles- 
town, to which place I have for some time been expecting that 
Mrs Elliot would pay a visit. 

I shall also ask the Commander not to anchor at Vera Cruz, 
but to send me in to any English or French Man of War lying 
there, as an officer charged with despatches for Her Majesty's 
Minister at Mexico, and the ship will go away, and be reported 
by another name. It is also my purpose not to return to this 
place or New Orleans from Mexico, but if possible to land 
somewhere in the United States where I am not known, and to 
return to New Orleans in some unobserved manner. I hope to 
be there by the 1st May in time to receive my despatches by the 
April Mail. 

The Ministers of the two Powers in Mexico will be best able 
to judge of the mode of operating upon Mexico but I need hardly 
say that it does not form part of our plan that these preliminary 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 469 

conditions should be placed before the Mexican Government at 
once, which they might perhaps offend, as having an appearance 
of dictation, but only that they should be a sujB&cient Warrant 
to the Ministers to ansM^er for Texas to that extent. It will also 
of course be necessary to take care that the Mexican Government 
does not know the length of time during which Texas is bound 
to abstain from any Negotiations with the United States. We 
have also thought that if there should be any lYench Man of 
War lying at Sacreficios and Monsieur Alleye de Cyprey will have 
the goodness to send back the answer of the Mexican Govern- 
ment by her (supposing it to be favourable) thai such a circum- 
stance would have a good effect here. The President wished that 
it should be done in that way. 

I must not close this despatch without expressing to Your 
Lordship my cordial obligations to my Colleague Monsieur de 
Saligny for his friendly, zealous and able co-operation in these 
affairs. Weighty as the representations of His Government have 
no doubt been with the President, I should be wanting indeed 
if I omitted to say that Monsieur de Saligny's long acquaintance 
with this Government, and their well founded confidence in his 
good wishes and Judgment have contributed much to the turn 
we have been able to give to this question at the present critical 
moment. 

These despatches will be conveyed to Washington by M. Saint 
Martin an Attache of his Legation. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

Galveston April 3d. 1845. 
P. S. 

Since the above was written H. M. S. Eurydice has arrived 
here from Vera Cruz bringing me a despatch and private letter 
from Mr Bankhead dated 20th and 22d March" with the intelli- 
gence that the new Mexican Government was in the same favour- 
able disposition towards an amicable settlement with this Country 
as General Santa Anna. 

It has appeared to me to be so important that what has passed 

*'In F. 0., Mexico, 184, copies sent by Bankhead to Aberdeen, March 
31, 1845. 



470 Texas State Historical Association 

here upon the same subject should be known to Her Majesty's 
Government as soon as possible that I have requested Captain 
Elliot to direct the Commander of the "Electra" to proceed with 
the duplicate of my despatches to Bermuda without loss of time 
in the hope that She may catch the homeward Mlail leaving that 
Island on the 21st. Instant, and if She has sailed I trust that 
the Commander in Chief will forward them to England by a 
Ship of War. 

Charles Elliot. 
[Enclosure] .*2 

Memorandum of a Conference held at the State Department 
at Washington on the Brazos on the 29th. March 1845. between 
the Honourable Ashbel Smith Secretary of State of the Republic 
of Texas and the Charges d' Affaires of Their Majesties. The 
Queen of Great Britain and The King of the French. Captain 
Charles Elliot and M. de Saligny. 
(Seal.) 



After the communication to Mr. Ashbel Smith of the instruc- 
tions of their respective Governments dated 17th and 23d Janu- 
ary last the representatives of the two Powers invited the Gov- 
ernment of Texas to accept the good offices of England and 
Erance for an early and honourable settlement of their diffi- 
culties with Mexico upon the basis of the acknowledgment of 
the independence of Texas by that Eepublic. 

The Secretary of State was instructed by the President to 
accept the invitation of the two Powers; But in view of the 
much more advanced condition of circumstances connected with 
the affairs of Texas, now existing, than could be known in Lon- 
don and Paris at the dates of those despatches, and adverting 
to the difficulties and risks to which this Government is exposed 
from causes upon which he need not dwell, The Secretary of 
State was desired by the President to press the urgent neces- 
sity that this Government should be as speedily as possible en- 
abled to present to the people of this Country for their consid- 
eration and action decisive proofs that Mexico was at once ready 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 471 

to acknowledge the independence of this Republic without other 
condition than the Stipulation to maintain the same. 

The Government of Texas therefore with a sincere desire to 
avail themselves of the proffered interposition of the Powers have 
now authorized the Secretary of State to propose to their repre- 
sentatives the following arrangement 

1st. The Signature and seal of the Secretary of State or any 
other Minister of the Republic of Mexico duly authorized by 
the Government thereof to be procured to the preliminary con- 
ditions now submitted to the Representatives of the two Powers, 
and ihQ Government of Texas pledges itself forthwith after the 
same shall be placed in the hands of the President to issue a 
Proclamation announcing the conclusion of the preliminaries of 
peace with the Republic of Mexico. 

2nd. Texas for a period of ninety days from the date of this 
Memorandum agrees not to accept any proposals, nor to enter 
into any Negotiations to annex Herself to any other Country. 

The Representatives of the two Powers sensible of the peculiar 
situation of the Government of Texas, to which the Secretary 
of State has called their attention were ready on the part of 
their respective Governments to accede to the proposals he had 
now made, and pledged themselves forthwith to pursue their 
accomplishment. 

(L. S.) Ashbel Smith. 

(L. S.) C. de Saligny. 

(L. S.) Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.]. 

Inclosure No 1 in Capt Elliot's Secret despatch to the Earl 
of Aberdeen. April. 3d 1845 

[Enclosure.].*^ 

Conditions preliminary to a treaty of peace between Mexico 
and Texas.** 

I. Mexico consents to acknowledge the Independence of 
Texas. 

♦'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 

"This document is in U. S. Docs., Ser. No. 480, Doc. 2, p. 71, but is 
here reprinted to make clear the results of the efforts of Elliot and 
Saligny. 



4:72 Texas State Historical Association 

II. Texas engages that She will Stipulate in the treaty not 
to annex herself or become subject to any Country whatever. 

III. Limits and other conditions to be matter of arrange- 
ment in the final treaty. 

IV. Texas will be willing to remit disputed points respect- 
ing territory and other matters to the arbitration of umpires. 
Done at Washington on the Brazos, on the 29th of March. 1845. 
Signed Ashbel Smith 

Secretary of State 
Seal of the Department of State. 
(Copy). 

Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed] 

Inclosure No 2. in Capt. Elliot's Secret despatch to the Earl 
of Aberdeen. April. 2d 1845. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT*^ 

Separate. Foreign Office. 

April. 3d. 1845 
Sir, 

I have received Your Despatch, marked Separate, of the 8th 
of February in which you describe your position, and express 
your wishes with reference to your residence in Texas, stating 
under the present political and social circumstances of that Coun- 
try, a fixed residence in it, and especially at the Seal of Govern- 
ment, does not appear to you to be necessary, and that it would 
be attended with serious risk to your health, and great personal 
inconvenience and discomfort in every respect 

You accordingly desire permission to reside in the United 
States during the recess of the Texian Congress, alleging that 
your Colleagues, the Charges d' Ajffaires of France and of the 
United States always adopt this plan when the Congress is not 
sitting 

As a general principle, I must observe that the proper resi- 
dence of a Consular or Diplomatic Agent is in the Country in 
which he is accredited; and that such Agent, having voluntarily 
accepted his Appointment with all the risks and inconveniences, 

«F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 473 

as well as all the advantages attached to it, is bound to fix his 
residence in such Country, nor can he properly assign personal 
discomfort, or even risk, as a sufficient ground for absenting him- 
self, or desiring to absent himself, from his Post. There may, 
however, be exceptions to this general rule, and considering the 
rude and unsettled state of Texas, and the entire absence as yet 
of those ordinary comforts and conveniences which are considered 
necessary in civilized life, as well as the positive unhealthiness 
of the Country in its present uncultivated state, I think that 
Texas may fairly be classed as coming within those exceptions. 
It appears also that other Grovernments allow their Agents in 
Texas to view the matter in this light, and to reside during a 
part of the year in the United States. 

This being the case, I have no objection to your quitting Texas 
this year during the hot and unhealthy Months, and establish- 
ing your Eesidence in the United States, with the benefit of your 
full Salary as if you were at your Post. But you must clearly 
understand that you will be expected, while in the United States, 
to reside at some sea-port between which and Texas there is fre- 
quent Communication, and that, while thus absent from your 
Post, you will keep your attention constantly alive to all that is 
passing both in Texas, and in the United States with reference 
to Texas, and that whenever your presence in Texas may be re- 
quired, you will at once proceed thither to resume the Duties of 
your Station 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot, R. N. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

No 7. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston, 
April. 3d. 1845. 
My Lord, 

On the 22d ultimo, I had the honor to address a communica- 
tion to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, in the United 
States, mentioning, in the following terms, a report which had 
reached me. 

'P. O., Texas, oVl. 14. 



474 Texas State Historical Association 

" I have lieaTd — and on what I am entitled to call good 



authority — that preparations are in progress in the United States 
for raising a force of ten thousand men, with a view to the in- 
vasion of the Mexican Provinces south of the Rio Grande. I 
have reason to believe that secret communications have for some 
time been carried on, between certain of the Federal leaders in 
those Provinces, and parties resident in Texas, who, at present, — 
I am told — are in the United States, urging forward the Mili- 
tar}^ preparations reported to be in progress." 

The force to be raised, and the object for which it was to be 
organized, were lately announced in Galveston, by Doctor Branch 
T. Archer,^ formerly Secretary of War in Texas, and (I am 
informed) cousin to a gentleman of the same name, who is a 
Senator of the United States' Congress, and who, during its last 
Session, acted as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Re- 
lations. 

From the subjoined N"ote, addressed by the Acting Secretary 
of State of Texas to the Charge d' Affaires of the United States, 
on the 13th of December last, it would seem that the only course 
now open to the Texan Executive, in regard to the question of 
Annexation, is to submit it to the decision of the people 

ALLEN TO DONELSON 

Department of State 
Washington 13th Dec. 1844 
To The Hon. A. J. Donaldson.^ 
Charge d' Affaires of the 

United States. 
Sir, 

The Undersigned, Attorney General of the Republic of Texas, 
charged, ad interim, \nth the direction of the Department of 
State, has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Note that 

^A leader in the Texan revolution. B. 1790, d. 1856. Archer was a 
physician in Pennsylvania, until 1831, when he went to Texas. After 
independence, he was for a time speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives. He also filled the position of secretary of war, but retired from 
active political life in 1842, because of ill health. (Appleton, Cyclop, 
of Amer. Biography.) 

*This letter is here printed, though calendared by Garrison as printed 
in Senate Journal, 9th Texas Cong., 195-197. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 475 

Mr. Donaldson, Charge d' Affaires, etc., did him the honor to 
address to him, under date of the 10th Instant, communicating 
information as to the Measures adopted by the President of the 
United States to guard the interests of Texas against injuries 
likely to result from the renewal of the war upon Texas by 
Mexico, on account of the acceptance of the proposition for 
Annexation made by the United States, and the avowed mode of 
conducting that war, as detailed in the orders of General Woll, 
and, the previous decree of the Provisional President; also com- 
municating the Views and suggestions of Mr Donaldson on the 
important question of Anexation; and expressing the desire and 
expectation of the Executive of his Government that Texas will 
continue to — "Maintain her connection with the cause of An- 
nexation, so far, at least, as not to consider it lost, or abandoned, 
on account of the late action of the Senate of the United States 
upon it." 

"The Undersigned is directed, by the President to assure Mr 
Donaldson, in reply, that the existing relations between the 
United States and Texas, so far as the subject of Annexation is 
concerned, will not be affected by any opposing or unfavourable 
action on the part of the Executive of the latter. But, in re- 
ceiving this assurance, Mr Donaldson cannot but perceive that 
the result, in relation to Annexation, may depend upon causes 
over which the President can exert little or no control. Al- 
though the popular wish and feeling of Texas have heretofore 
been frankly and warmly expressed by her Citizens, in favour 
of the Measure, yet Mr Donaldson cannot have failed to perceive 
that the strength and ardour of that wish have been necessarily, 
in some degree, diminished by the delay and apparent defeat of 
the Measure, by the rejection of the late Treaty, by the Senate 
of the United States. Still, as the Measure, in the opinion of 
Mr Donaldson, is not lost, but destined to a speedy consumma- 
tion, so far as the action of the United States can affect it, the 
Undersigned trusts that the doubts and disappointments experi- 
enced by the people of Texas, necessarily occasioned by the cir- 
cumstances alluded to, will not have ripened into a general and 
insurmountable opposition to the Measure, before the consum- 
mation so confidently anticipated by Mr Donaldson. 

The undersigned is instructed by the President to express his 



476 Texas State Historical Association 

unqualified admiration of the elevated spirit of philantropy per- 
vading the communication of Mr Donaldson; and of the active 
friendship manifested by the President of the United States to- 
wards this Government, in his solemn protest and measures of 
opposition against the barbarous mode in which Mexico has avowed 
her intention to prosecute the war upon Texas. 
The Undersigned avails himself, etc. etc. etc. 

Signed Ebenr Allen. 

The preceding Note. — important in respect both to its date 
and its substance, forms part of the Correspondence between the 
Secretary of State of Texas and Major Donaldson United States' 
Charge d' Affaires, published by the Executive, in compliance 
with a Resolution of the Senate of the Congress of Texas, dated 
20th January 1845. 

I have been informed that Major Donaldson has been era- 
powered to arrange a Treaty of Annexation with the Texan Gov- 
ernment, on terms more favourable to this Country than the con- 
ditions proposed by the Congress of the United States. — Care 
has been taken to identify the interests of leading men in Texas 
with the success of Annexation, and active agents, are employed 
in ascertaining and increasing the numerical strength of its par- 
tisans, for the day of final appeal. ^ij^.^j^ Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

April 4th. 

P. S. H. M. S. Eleetra, which bears this Despatch, waits to 
convey H. M's Charge d' Affaires to Charleston. U. S. 

H. M. S. Eurydice arrived in Galveston roads on Yesterday, 
from Vera Cruz. W. K. 

BANKHEAD TO ELLIOTT* 

Mexico. 
8 April 1845 
My Dear Sir, 

I had the pleasure yesterday of receiving your letter of the 
10th. Ultimo, enclosing two Despatches which j^ou had a few days 
previously addressed to Lord Aberdeen.^ 

*F. 0., Texas, Vol. 23. 

*Not found, but the despatches enclosed are presumably Elliot to 
Aberdeen, Nos. 10 and 11, March 6 and 7, 1845. See ante p. 453 seq. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 477 

These Despatches appecared to me so important at the present 
juncture, when we are all bus}', in trying to persuade this Gov- 
ernment to come forward, that I communicated their contents 
generall}^ to my French Colleague, and we agreed at once to 
call upon the Secretary of State and talk the matter over with 
him — for without divulging to the latter a word more than was 
absolutely necessary for our purpose, I felt there was enough con- 
tained in what you sent me to enable us to push matters a little 
faster with these folks than they might otherwise be desirous 
of going. — The fact is that the Ultra federal Party are push- 
ing them hard at this moment upon the necessity of War — 
and they are not resolute enough to combat the attack, but seek 
by all sorts of palliatives to ward off the blow. To inspire them 
with resolution has been our object and your letters have strength- 
ened our hands vastly. 

Mr Smith's Conversations with you prove that there is a grow- 
ing desire in Texas to come to some amicable Arrangement with 
this Country — I told Mr Cuevas so, but I took care at the same 
time to add, that I came to that opinion in consequence of 
what you thought and wrote, founded, of course, upon what you 
heard at Galveston — but I did not like to compromise Mr Smith 
or the President by quoting them directly 

This Government is quite ready to receive proposals from 
Your quarter, upon the basis of absolute Independence; — and the 
admission ma-de to you by Mr. Smith, for Lord Aberdeen's Con- 
sideration, that Texas would consent to bind herself to remain 
an independent State, would tend much to facilitate matters. — ■ 
As to limits — that must be an after thought — the one thing need- 
ful appears to me to be the Acknowledgment of the Independ- 
ence of Texas by Mexico — how far Great Britain and Prance 
will afterwards consent to guarantee the boundaries or other col- 
lateral points, it is for those Governments to say. — We can do 
nothing without Authority. — For I well remember when Santa 
Anna gave me the Memorandum in ISTovember last as a basis of 
Negotiation, I rlistinctly stated that I merely took it ad refer- 
endum, and declined anticipating in any way the intentions of 
my Government thereupon. 

It now only remains, until we hear from home, to get the 
two Neighbours into some state of good feeling with one an- 



478 Texas State Historical Association 

other. ] am quite sure any thing you might offer from Texas 
would be received here, always allowing these valientes to talk 
a little about derechos and patriotismo, 

I am equally sure that the Congress would support Ministers 
in any fair plan for the Acknowledgment of Independence — and 
I hope with your influence and name, aided by Your French 
Colleague, you will be able to induce your friends in Texas di- 
rectly or through you and Saligny, to make us an offer. 

I have been unwell, and tomorrow I go for some change to 
the Eeal del Monte — but I shall be back on the 15th, when I 
hope to hear from you by the Eurydice — I thought it right, how- 
ever, to troiible you with these few lines before I started, that 
you may know how we are going on, and how much we. depend 
upon your kind and active assistance. 

Captain Elliot. E. N. Charles Bankhead. 

ADDINGTON- TO KENNEDY^ 
Dft. 

Consul Kennedy. 
Galveston 
m. 3. F. 0. April 18th. 1845. 

Sir, 

The Earl of Aberdeen has reed your Despatch No 5 of the 26th 
of Feby. last, referring to a Circular issued by H. M's Consul at 
Charleston, on the Subject of the Sugar Duties Act of the last 
Session of Parliament, and to the question put to you as to the 
operation of that Act with respect to Sugar imported into the 
United Kingdom, the Growth and Produce of the Eepublic of 
Texas: — And I am directed by his Lordship to forward to you 
Copies of the Instructions which his Ldp' addressed to H. M's 
Consuls in the United States, with reference to the Sugar Duties 
Act of last Session^; and to state to you his Lordship's opinion 
that under the Treaty between Great Britain and Texas, Sugar 
the Growth and Produce of that Eepublic is admissible under the 
low Eate of Duty H. U. Addington 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 14. 

^The enclosures listed are "copies of the Sugar Duties Act of the last 
Session of Parliament," and of circulars to consuls dated November 18 
and December 24, 1844. These could not be traced. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 479 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 10. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston. 
April 25th. 1845 
My Lord, 

In a Despatch which I had the honor to address to Your Lord- 
ship on the 2d Instant, transmitted by Her Majesty's Ship, Elec- 
tra, I took leave to express the opinion that the only course now 
open to the Texan Executive, in regard to the question of An- 
nexation ! was "to submit it to the decision of the people." 

I have now the honor to enclose a printed Copy of a Proclama- 
tion issued, by the President of this Eepublic/ summoning Con- 
gress to meet on the Sixteenth day of June next, to determine 
upon the propositions for Annexation submitted to the President 
by the Charge d' Affaires of the United States, on the 31st Ultimo. 

I also beg to enclose reports of public Meetings held in the 
Counties of Liberty, Jefferson, Brazoria and Matagorda, indicat- 
ing the bent of the popular mind in regard to the future position 
of this Country. So far as the United States and Texas are 
concerned, no one appears to doubt that Annexation is inevitable. 

The French Charge d' Affaires and Mr Ashbel Smith left Gal- 
veston for New Orleans on the 10th Instant. — After their depart- 
ure, it was publickly announced that, Mr. Smith had been re- 
appointed Charge d' Affaires from Texas to Great Britain and 
France. On the 17th Instant, a paragraph appeared in the 
"Texas National Eegister," a Newspaper of Official character, pub- 
lished at the Seat of Government, defending Mr Ashbel Smith 
against the charge of being unfriendly to Annexation, and claim- 
ing for him the credit of promoting that Measure recently, in 
his capacity of Secretary of State. 

General Houston is named, as likely to be one of the Senators 
from the State of Texas, in the Congress of the United States, 
during the Session of 1845-6. The organs of the American dem- 
ocratic party mention him as a probable candidate for the Presi- 
dency of the United States, after the retirement of Mr. Polk : It 
has been for some time understood that this party are desirous of 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 14. 

'Unidentified newspaper cutting, from a Galveston paper. April 22, 
1845. 



480 Texas Sfafe HisforicaJ Association 

having a Military leader, and it is believed, that General Houston 
will be formally recommended to the support of the democracy 
by their Veteran Counsellor General Andrew Jackson. 

The "Houston Telegraph" of the 23d Instant, (a pro-Annex- 
ation Journal) after expressing its regret that the President did 
not summon Congress to meet at an earlier day than the 16th of 
June, observes : — "The President, however, has doubtless good 
motives for delay that are yet unknown to us. We have conversed 
freely with the Hon. Secretary of the Treasury, and we have 
learned from him, with pleasure, that the President will cordially 
cooperate with the people in consummating the great Measure. 
Although he has been suffering under a severe illness, that ren- 
dered him incapable for several days of transacting business, he 
assured his friends that he would make every necessary exertion 
to expedite the Measure desired by the people." 

The "Telegraph" further observes: — "The object of the Mexi- 
can Government is to lie and deceive us, and thus to delay Meas- 
ures until the opponents of Annexation can gain strength to de- 
feat the Measure. They may dupe some of our Statesmen, but 
they will not dupe the people of Texas. Their march is onward. 
Their attention is fixed upon but one object, and they are deter- 
mined to consummate it, in spite of every obstacle. They have 
decided in favour of the Annexation of this Country to the United 
States, and they will proceed steadily, and with unwavering con- 
stancy, to adopt appropriate Measures to carry out their decision. 
The President has performed his part in calling Congress: that 
Congress will doubtless perform its duty by assenting to the Eeso 
lutions of the American Congress. — The next step will be to call 
a Convention of Delegates to form a State Constitution." 

The "Telegraph" lays down the doctrine that neither the Presi- 
dent, nor Congress, has a Constitutional right to call a Conven- 
tion, or to apportion the representation; neither, it maintains, — 
can this right be assumed without the consent of the people. The 
journalist then proceeds to say: — "It is important, however, that 
a Convention should be held at an early day, in order that ample 
time may be allowed for the Delegates to form a Constitution 
before the approach of the Sickly Season. We approve, therefore, 
of the proceedings of the people of Brazoria Co." — (for which I 
beg to refer Your Lordship to enclosure No. 2.) — "Who have al- 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 481 

ready instructed their Senators and Eepresentatives to meet at 
Washington on the 3d Monday in May, and authorized them to 
assume Conventional powers, and, acting in concert with the 
Members of other Counties, to call a Convention and apportion 
the representation. The President, we believe, will approve this 
Measure, and ; if adopted by a Majority of the Counties, will cor- 
dially cooperate with them in expediting the Measure necessary to 
effect this object. This also is the desire, we are credibly in- 
formed, of a Majority of the Members of his Cabinet." — We hope, 
therefore, that the Members of Congress will hasten with all 
speed to Washington, and make the necessary arrangements for 
organizing a Convention." 

A Meeting of the friends of Annexation was held in the County 
of Harris on the 21st Instant, at which Eesolutions were passed 
assenting to the Measure of Annexation, as proposed by the Con- 
gress; and selected by the President of the United States, and 
expressing full confidence in the honor and justice of the Ameri- 
can people William Kennedy 
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. April 36th. 

Pro- Annexation Meetings have been held in the Counties of 
Sabine, Galveston, Harrison, and Eobertson. No Anti-Annex- 
ation Meetings have yet been held. The Galveston Eesolutions 
opposed to a call of Congress by the people for the third Monday 
in May. W. K. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^^ 

No. 6.^^ Foreign Office 

May 3, 1845. 
Sir, 

The inclosed Copy of a Despatch which I have recently ad- 
dressed to Her Majesty's Minister in Mexico together with its 
inclosures,^- will put you in possession of the measures which, in 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. 

"F. 0., Texas, 21, Aberdeen to Elliot, Nos. 4 and 5, April 18, 1845, 
have been omitted. No. 4 related to British sugar duties and noted 
transmission of copies of correspondence with British consuls in the 
United States. No. 5 acknowledged receipt of despatches. 

^=The despatch and enclosures are all in F. O., Texas, 21, and arranged 
by date are: 

Bankhead to Aberdeen, No. 19, March 1, 1845. 



489 Texas State Historical Association 

concert with France, Her Majesty's Government have determined 
to pursue with respect to Mexico and Texas in the present posi- 
tion in which those Countries are assumed to be placed with re- 
gard to each other, and also to the United States. 

In shaping our line of policy, as laid down in my Despatch to 
Mr Bankhead, we have considered the Government and people 
of Texas to be upon the whole well disposed to maintain their 
independence, provided that independence were freely and imme- 
diately recognized by Mexico, 

Should circumstances have materially altered since the date of 
your [my] Despatch No 1 of the 23d of January; and, should 
the Government and people of Texas have either accepted the 
terms of annexation proposed by the United States, or have shown 
a decided inclination to annex themselves to the United States, 
even though Mexico were avowedly ready to recognize their inde- 
pendence, it will be obvious to you that in such case the course 
of policy which Her Majesty's Government have decided to pursue 
under circumstances assumed to be different, will be liable to 
undergo great modifications, if not a total change 

It will therefore be for you, in the more correct appreciation 
of the actual position of affairs which you will be enabled to form 
when this Despatch reaches you, to determine whether, and how 
far, it may be expedient for you to act upon the instructions 
which it contained. 

Assuming that no material change will have taken place, it may 
be useful, although the whole matter is fully set forth in my 
Despatch to Mr Bankhead, to state here succinctly the course 
of policy which Her Majesty's Government have determined to 
adopt. It is simply to offer, in concert with France, to Mexico 

Pakenham to Aberdeen, No. 39, March 29, 1845. 

Aberdeen to Cowley, No. 46, April 15, 1845. 

Cowley to Aberdeen, No. 184, April 28, 1845. 

Aberdeen to Bankhead, No. 15, May 1, 1845. 

Bankhead's despatch notified Aberdeen that Mexico was now willing 
to recognize Texan independence, while Pakenham wrote of a change in 
the Texan attitude. Aberdeen, therefore, instructed Cowley to ask France 
to join in a "last chance" effort to prevent annexation, but definitely 
excluding any plan of war or force. France acceded and the despatch to 
Bankhead urged haste upon Mexico. Then two days later came the 
present instructions to Elliot (Nos. 6 and 7) with the plan of a "Decla- 
ration." This plan arrived too late, however, and was never presented 
to the Texas government. (For analysis and partial citation of docu- 
ments, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 203-207.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 483 

and to Texas, and through the channel of the English and French 
Diplomatick Agents in both those Countries, the joint mediation 
of England and France for the equitable settlement of differences, 
and demarcation of Boundaries between the two Countries. 

The basis of that policy is the immediate and unfettered recog- 
nition of Texas by Mexico. To attain this paramount object 
Great Britain has long employed her own unassisted efforts. The 
fatal blindness of the Mexican Government to the true interests 
of their Country has hitherto rendered all those efforts unavailing. 

It is possible, however, that fresh representations from England 
and France combined may at length prevail upon the Government 
of Mexico to view their Situation in a correct light, and induce 
them to take, though late, the only step which, in the opinion of 
Her Majesty's Government, can avail to rescue them from endless 
embarrassment. 

It is not however to be expected that Mexico will consent to 
acknowledge Texas without having taken good security for the 
establishment of the common frontier of the two Countries, in a 
manner conformable to right and justice, and such as shall offer 
every element of permanency and of security against future en- 
croachment. 

With a view to ensure this essential object, the Government of 
Great Britain and France now come forward to offer to Mexico 
all the weight of their united influence, provided She agrees to 
recognize the independence of Texas. As, however, the present 
consideration of the question of frontiers would probably be at- 
tended with much delay, we propose that, that consideration should 
be reserved to a future but not distant moment, when, if desired 
by Mexico, the question of Boundaries might be treated under the 
joint mediation of Great Britain and France. 

The Instruction addressed by Monsr Guizot to Monsr. de Salignv, 
of which a Copy is inclosed in my other Despatch of this date, 
will shew you that the French Government concur generally in 
this plan, and that Monsr. de Saligny is directed to concert with 
you,, in case no material change of circumstances should have 
occurred, of the best mode of prevailing upon the Government of 
Texas to accept the proffered mediation of Great Britain and 
France for the Mutual settlement of their differences with Mexico, 
on the basis proposed 



484 Texas State Historical Association 

You will accordingly concert Measures with Monsr de Saligny 
for the accomplishment of this ohject. 

Although the question of Boundary will not, according to this 
arrangement, he brought on immediately, it will be desirable that, 
in case Texas should accept our mediation for its Settlement, you 
should use every effort to impress on the Texian Government the 
good policy, not to say necessity, of moderating their pretensions 
with respect to their common boundary with Mexico. It would 
not accord with the principles of justice, by which the Mediating 
Powers must regulate their conduct, to countenance the demand 
by Texas of a line of frontier to which it would have obviously 
as little founded in right, and to which She might lay claim 
merely on the ground of expediency without reference to the 
rights of Mexico. 

In all reasonable and equitable pretensions Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment will be found well-disposed to support the Texian Gov- 
ernment. 

In case, at the period of the arrival of these instructions, cir- 
cumstances should still, as we hope, be such as to admit of your 
carrying them into effect, in conjunction with your French Col- 
league, you will consider yourself at full liberty to open a com- 
munication with Mr Bankhead in any Measure which you may 
deem best for accelerating the attainment of the object entrusted 
equally to both Missions. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot, R. N. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^^ 

No. 7. Foreign Office. 

May 3. 1845 
Sir, 

Mr. Guizot having signified to M. de Saligny in the Instruction, 
of which a Copy^* is herewith inclosed, and which was put into 
my hands, by M. Guizot's Orders, by the French Ambassador at 
this Court, the concurrence of the French Government in the 
proposition submitted to them on the part of Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment for bringing about by their united efforts, an adjustment 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 21. 

"Guizot to Saligny, April 27, 1845. The copy was not found. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 485 

of the differences between Mexico and Texas, I transmit to you 
herewith a Copy of the Declaration which Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment proposed through Lord Cowley should be conjointly pre- 
sented by the English and French Charge d' Affaires in Texas to 
that Government for their acceptance and signature. 

Provided, therefore, circumstances remain in the state assumed 
in my Despatch No 6 of this date, you will invite the French 
Charge d' AflFaires, to join you in presenting this Declaration to 
the Texian Secretary of State for the acceptance of his Govern- 
ment. 

As the Declaration contains nothing more than an engagement 
on the part of Great Britain and France to employ their best 
efforts to restore peace between Mexico and Texas, and to procure 
the recognition of the Texian Eepublick by Mexico; together with 
an engagement on the part of Texas to use every effort to main- 
tain her Independence, I do not apprehend that you will experi- 
ence any difficulty in procuring the assent of the Texian Govern- 
ment to the terms of the Declaration in question 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot, E. N. 
[Enclosure]. 

Draft. Declaration^^ 

Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom of Great 
Britain and Ireland, and His Majesty the King of the French 
being strongly impressed with the importance of restoring Peace 
between the Eepublick of Texas and the Mexican Eepublick and 
of the establishment and preservation of the Eepublick of Texas 
as an Independent State under her own national Govt. ; Their 
said Majesties have respectively authorized the Undersigned Elliot 
Her Britannick Majesty's [charge d' affaires] and — to declare that 
their .said Majesties engage to use their best exertions with a 
view to the restoration of Peace at the earliest possible period, 
and to the recognition of the Independence of the Eepublick of 
Texas by the Mexican Eepublick. 

And the President of the Eepublick of Texas, has, on his part 
authorized the Undersigned to declare on the other hand that the 

"Blank spaces left for signatures of Saligny and the President, and 
for date and place. 



486 Texas State Historical Association 

Govt of Texas will use every effort to maintain the independence 
of the Kepublick under its own separate and national Jurisdiction. 

In witness whereof the Undersd. sign the present Declaration 
and have affixed thereto the seals of their arms. 

Done at the. . . .day of in the Year of Our Lord. 

1845. 

[Endorsed.]. Draft. 

Declaration. 

MILLEK TO STEVS^ART" 

A Copy. 
To. 

Mr. H. Stewart 

Editor of the Civilian 

New Orleans May 9th 1845. 
My dear Sir, 

From the synopsis of General Houston's speech last night at 
the Arcade, as it appears in some of the Morning papers of this 
City, of this date, it might possibly be inferred that he had stated 
that he had during his presidency been dealing unfairly in his 
diplomatic intercourse with the European Governments. 

This inference would be unjust, and not properly deducible from 
any tiling he said on the occasion referred to. On the contrary 
he used the opportunity to pay a deserved tribute to the disinter- 
ested and open positions and actions of those Governments towards 
Texas throughout her existence as a Nation. He said, however, 
that upon the subject of Annexation, he had coquetted a little 
with fhe United States, upon the principle that a Manifestation 
of over anxiety would not hasten, but retard the accomplishment 
of the measure. The term coquetting was not applied to Eng- 
land or France but to the United States, and used only as a 
means of inducing them the more readily to embrace and carry 
out Annexation 

Signed W. D. Miller. 

The foregoing is a true Copy of the original 

Signed Eobert D. Johnson. 
Copy. 
Charles Elliot. 

"This letter was enclosed in F. O., Texas, 16, Elliot to Aberdeen, Pri- 
vate, March 27, 1846, but is here inserted in its chronological order. 



Briiisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 487 

BANKHEAD TO ELLIOT^'^ 

Mexico. 
20th May 1845. 
Sir, 

I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to 
the President of Texas, a Document containing a full acceptance 
on the part of the President of this Eepublick, and signed by 
Don Luis Cuevas, Secretary of State — of the proposals sent from 
Texas for the acknowledgment of the Independence of the latter 
Power. 

You will lose no time on your arrival at Galveston to place 
this important paper in the hands of Mr. President Jones — and 
you will be good enough to point out to His Excellency that his 
proposals are returned to him. word for word as he entrusted thera 
to your care. 

It is a matter of regret to the French Minister and Myself that 
so much time has elapsed between the presentation of the Articles 
to this Government — and the moment of their acceptance — but 
you are too well acquainted with the dilatory habits of Spaniards 
and Spanish Americans not to be able to explain this Circum- 
stance to the President — The result, however, is very satisfactory, 
for while Senor Cuevas has thought it necessary to accompany his 
Signature with some observations, he has not hesitated strictly to 
incorporate the four Articles in his Communication, and the re- 
marks he makes therewith are of no consequence whatever. — There 
are two Documents which I sent to you and which have reference 
to the four Articles. They are, however sent separately, and you 
will, I doubt not, be able to satisfy the President that they are 
pressed upon us for the purpose of saving their exaggerated no- 
tions of honour and pride. — and not intended by the Mexican 
Government as in the slightest degree disrespectful to Texas. 

The President of Mexico is most anxious that Your best exer- 
tions should be used, in conjunction with your French Colleague, 
that in the Proclamation, which it is hoped Mr Jones will issue 
immediately upon 3^our arrival, care will be taken that the terms 
employed therein are general — and as much as possible in con- 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 23. Elliot was still in Mexico at the time this 
letter was written. The enclosed document, he therefore personally car- 
ried back to Texas. 



488 Texas State Historical Association 

formity with those adopted in the "Imcativa" [Iniciativa] pro- 
posed to this Congress. — as should, — most unfortunately, the Con- 
gress of Texas defeat the views of Mr President Jones, and accept 
the egide of the United States in preference to National Inde- 
pendence, it would seriously compromise this Government in their 
view of the case, if any premature disclosure were made and after- 
wards disavowed — for this purpose perhaps, a confidential Com- 
munication of the enclosed Papers to the President and Govern- 
ment of Texas would be best. Your experience of the Country 
and it's Kulers constitutes you as the best Judge of how the Affair 
can best be managed. 

The second wish of this Government is as follows, and is equally 
left to the exertion of your good offices. That the Person or 
Persons who may be sent from Texas shall be of a conciliatory dis- 
position, and that at the moment of his or their departure he or 
they shall take the name of Commissioner or Commissioners — and 
that the instant the Negotiations commence they will bring for- 
ward their title of Plenipotentiary. — I am assured that they will 
be received here with an earnest desire to establish relations be- 
tween the two Countries upon a basis of good will and mutual 
advantage. 

The Baron Cyprey writes by this Conveyance to the President 
Jones — I prefer requesting you to be the interpreter to His Excel- 
lency of my best wishes for the early and satisfactory conclusion 
of this long pending question — and I further beg of you to assure 
His Excellency that my best endeavours will be used in promoting 
the establishment of a lasting peace between the two Countries — 
and of aiding the Texan Plenipotentiary in the exertions for that 
purpose. 

You will be good enough to communicate to me any informa- 
tion which you may from time to time think will be useful here. 

Charles Bankhead. 
Captain Elliot. 

P. S. Since writing the above, Senor Cuevas informed Me that 
the enclosed Declaration contains all his resolution. 

C. B. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 489 

[Enclosure to Mr. Bankheacl's Despatch to Lord Aberdeen. 
No. 148. Mexico 20th May 1845.] ^^ 

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Mexican Eepublick has 
received from Texas the preliminary conditions of an arrange- 
ment or definitive Treaty between Mexico and Texas — which are 
of the following tenour. 

1st. Mexico consents to acknowledge the Independence of Texas. 

2nd. Texas engages that She will stipulate in the Treaty, not 
to annex herself or become subject to any Country whatever 

3rd. Limits and other conditions to be matter of arrangement 
in the final Treaty. 

4th. Texas will be willing to remit disputed points respecting 
territory and other matters to the arbitration of umpires. 

The Government of the Eepublick has in consequence asked for 
the Authority from Congress which the latter has granted and 
which is as follows. 

His Excellency the President has thought fit to publish the 
following decree 

Jose J. Herrera. General of Division and President of the 
Mexican Eepublick to its Inhabitants, gives Notice, that the Gen- 
eral Congress has decreed and the Executive Government Sanc- 
tioned what follows. 

The Government has been authorized to listen to the proposi- 
tions made by Texas, and to enter into an arrangement or make 
such a Treaty as shall be fit and honourable for the Eepublick, 
communicating it to Congress for their examination and approval. 

Miguel Atristaiv — President of Chamber of Deputies. 

Juan Eodriguez — President of Senate. 

Francisco Calderon — Secretary of Chamber of Deputies. 

J. J. Eosas — Secretary of Senate. 

National Palace 17 May 1845. 
J. J. Herrera — L. G. Cuevas. 

In consequence of the preceding Authority granted by the Con- 
gress of the Eepublick of Mexico. — the Undersigned Minister for 
Foreign Affairs declares by Order of the President — that the 
Supreme Government accept the four above mentioned Articles as 

"F. 0., Mexico, Vol. 185. This document is printed in U. S. Does., Ser. 
No. 480, DoiC. 2, p. 70 seq., but is here reprinted because of the slightly 
different wording of Bankhead's translation, and the additional signatures. 



490 Texas State Historical Association 

preliminary to a formal and definite Treaty; And moreover that 
they are disposed to commence the Negociation in the way desired 
by Texas — and to receive the Commissioner or Commissioners that 
Texas may with this view appoint 

Luis Cnevas. 

[Enclosure to Mr. Bankhead's Despatch to Lord Aberdeen 
No 148 Mexico 20th May 1845]. 
Translation. 

(Additional Declaration) 

It is understood that besides the four preliminary Articles 
proposed by Texas, there are other essential and important points 
which ought also to be included in the Negotiation and that if 
this Negotiation is not realized on account of circumstances, or 
because Texas influenced by the Law passed in the United States 
on Annexation, should consent thereto — either directly or indi- 
rectl}'^, then the answer which under this date is given to Texas by 
the Undersigned Minister of Foreign Affairs shall be considered 
as null and void. 
.Mexico. May 19. 1845. 

(Signed) Luis. G. Cuevas. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 13. Her Majestys Consulate 

Galveston 
May 21st 1845. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose a Copy of a Proclamation signed 
by the President of this Republic on the Gth Instant, recommend- 
ing the people to elect delegates to a Convention on the 4th of 
next month, the said convention to assemble at Austin on the 4th 
of July, for the purpose of taking prompt and definite action 
upon the proposition for Annexation. This Proclamation has 
been defended by General Houston and approved by the Mass 
of the people. 

The Congress convened for the 16th of next Month is not 
expected to be in Session more than a few days. Its principal 

»F. 0., Texas, Vol 14. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 491 

business will be to signify its assent to the Eesolution for Annex- 
ation presented by the Government of the United States. 

On the 12th Inst, an American Squadron, under the Command 
of Commodore Stockton,2o arrived in Galveston Eoads, from Nor- 
folk in Virginia. The Squadron, which still remains here, con- 
sists of the Princeton, War Steamer, the Sloops of War Saint 
Mary and Saratoga, and the Brig Porpoise, mounting in all, Sixty 
guns. — The Porpoise has entered Galveston Harbour, having been 
previously relieved of her battery by the Princeton. 

It is authoritatively stated that, in completing Annexation, the 
United States will not be satisfied with less than the whole of the 
territory claimed by Texas, — namely to the Eio Grande. 

I beg to enclose a Copy of a letter published in the "Galveston 
Civilian," on the 17th Instant,^^ by desire of General Houston. — 
General Houston is at present in Galveston, waiting, with his 
family, for the departure of the New Orleans Steamer, being on 
his way to visit General Andrew Jackson, at his residence near 
Nashville, Tennessee. 

William Kennedy 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN22 

No. 16. On board the Brig of 

His Majesty The King of The French 
"La Perouse" 

May 30th 1845. 
My Lord, 

In the possibility that a Steam Vessel may be departing for 
New Orleans when I reach the shore, and with the hope of saving 

-"Robert Field Stockton of the U. S. Navy. His vessel, the "Prince- 
ton," bore the annexation resolutions to the Texan government. 

"^See p. 167. Miller to Stewart, May 9, 1845. 

=^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. Elliot had embarked at Galveston on the 
British ship of war Electra, nominally going to Charleston, S. C. When 
out of sight of land, he transferred to the Eurydice, and reached Vera 
Cruz, April 11. Thence he proceeded to the capital, and once there Bank- 
head took charge of affairs and pressed the Mexican government to ac- 
cede to the Texan proposals. A long delay followed, and much hesita- 
tion, irritating to Bankhead. Late in April, Elliot went to Jalapa, near 
Vera Cruz, and waited for the Mexican decision, which Bankhead was 
finally able to send him on May 20. Elliot sailed for Texas on the French 
ship La Perouse, and reached Galveston on May 30. Since Bankhead 



4-92 Texas State Historical Association 

the Mail of the 16th. June, I have the honour of preparing this 
despatch respecting my return to this place. 

Having had no communication as yet with the shore I am 
unable to afford Your Lordship any information respecting the 
Condition of circumstances and feeling in this Country, but I 
shall of course not lose one moment in placing myself in per- 
sonal communication with the Government, and I hope I shall be 
able to induce the President forthwith to proclaim the prelimi- 
naries of peace 

Before I leave this Vessel I feel it incumbent upon myself to 
express to Your Lordship my cordial obligations to M. le Com- 
mandant Dubremil for the kindness he has been so gooa as to 
extend to me. May I hope Your Lordship will take the occasion 
of this Zealous participation in a Service of some public moment 
to recommend to the protection of The King's Government, an 
old and distinguished Officer in His Majesty's Service. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. Galveston May 31st. 1845. 

Since I have landed here I learn that the friends of Annex- 
■ ation have succeeded in exciting a hot, and apparently general 
feeling in favour of their project, and it is no doubt to be feared 
that the concessions of the Mexican Government will have come 
too late to act successfully upon the people of this Country. Their 
humour however is variable, and reflection may yet restore them 
to a sounder sense of what is best for their own interests. I ab- 
stain, however, from dwelling upon such topics till I have had 
an opportunity of conversing with the President at Washington, to 
which place I proceed by the boat tomorrow morning in company 
with M. le Commandant Dubremil, who has a letter from the 
Baron Alleye de Cj^pres to His Excellency. The Baron had left 
it to himself to deliver it in person, or not, as he should judge 
best, and he has been so good as to accede to my suggestions that 
it would be desirable to do so. 

Charles Elliot. 

was the British diplomat in charge in Mexico, Elliot did not report to 
Aberdeen the details of this negotiation in Mexico. These are to be 
found in Bankhead's reports, F. O., Mexico, 185. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 493 

Major Donnelson the Charge d' Affaires from the United States 
arrived here this morning from New Orleans. 

KENNEDY TO ADDINGTON-^ 

^^ ^^- Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston 

May 30th. 1845. 
Sir, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch 
No 3 of the 18th of April, (with enclosures) communicating the 
opinion of the Earl of Aberdeen that, under the Treaty bet^ween 
Great Britain and Texas, Sugar, the growth and produce of the 
Eepublie, is admissible into the ports of the United Kingdom at 
the low rate of duty— and I beg leave to inform you that I have 
taken means to bring His Lordship's opinion under the notice of 
the planting and Mercantile interests of this Country. 

William Kennedy. 
Henry U. Addington, Esqr. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT"* 

Consular. Foreign Office. 

^0- 1- June 3d. 1845. 

Sir, 

I have received your Despatch marked "Separate" of the 4th 
Ultimo,25 alleging that Mr Kennedy had "behaved to you with 
great disrespect"— that his Conduct had been so highly "improper 
that you would have been justified in suspending him at once," 
that he is not a suitable "person for employment in Her Majesty's 
Service" ; that you have "not the least Confidence in his prudence, 
or right feeling," that you are "sensible that he is quite capable 
of making some mischievous publication on the spot," or of other- 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 14. 

"'P. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. 

^Elliot's charges against Kennedy and the correspondence relating 
thereto were transcribed by the copyist, but were withdrawn by the 
censors of the foreign office, presumably under the rule that letters con- 
taining reflections on individuals are not to be copied. It may be of in- 
terest to note as indicating the liberality of the Public Record Office, 
and of the foreign office, in opening archives to historical research, that 
this was the only instance in connection with the publication of this 
Texan material, in which the censors withdrew the correspondence. 



494 Texas State Historical Association 

wise creating public "inconvenience," and, finally puggesting that 
he should be at once recalled. 

I regret that you should have thought it your duty to make 
Charges so serious against Mr Kennedy without adducing any 
sufficient evidence in justification of them. I regret also the tone 
in which those Charges are made. You have, moreover, entirely 
misapprehended your own position and authority, in supposing 
that you have the power to suspend a person who has been ap- 
pointed by The Queen to reside and act as Her Majesty's Consul 
at Galveston. 

I have to desire that you will furnish me, at your earliest con- 
venience, with specific information, supported by evidence and 
statements of fact, upon each of the Charges which you have pre- 
ferred against Mr. Kennedy, in order that I may be enabled to 
judge what Measures it may be right that I should adopt in this 
matter. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot, E. N. 

KENNEDY TO ADDINGTON^^ 

-^0 15. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston 
June 10th 1845 
Sir 

I have the honor to inform you that the Prince of Solms left 
Galveston for New Orleans on the 4th Instant, on his return to 
Europe. 

The Prince has_ succeeded (though not without a considerable 
outlay, owing, as I conceive, in a great degree, to a defect in the 
original arrangements of the German Association) in planting, a 
Colony, numbering six hundred Souls, on a beautiful and pro- 
ductive tract of land, situated about fifteen Miles above Seguin, 
a village on the Guadalupe river of Western Texas. The name 
given to this German Settlement is New Braunfels. — Provided 
with farming implements and having a sufficient quantity of land 
under cultivation to furnish subsistence for the ensuing year, the 
future progress of the Colony may be considered easy and certain. 

^''F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 495 

The Settlers have neither been molested by Indians, nor visited 
liy sickness, — which may fairly be ascribed to the Judicious ar- 
rangements of the Prince of Solms, who has encountered the diffi- 
culties of his arduous undertaking with a measure of patience, 
perseverance, and foresight which I believe but few Europeans 
would have been prepared to manifest, under the same circum- 
stances. 

William Kennedy. 
Henry U. Addington, Esqr. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN-'^ 

Xo. 17. Galveston June 12th 1845 

My Lord, 

The inclosed Copy of my despatch of yesterday's date to Mr 
Bankhead with the accompanying Copy of a private letter of the 
same date to him will I believe place Your Lordship in full pos- 
session of the state of circumstances here at the present moment. 
Those communications left these roads this afternoon in the Cor- 
vette of His Majesty The King of the French the "La Perouse" 
and I should hope would be in Mexico by the 23d Instant. 

The unexpected departure of the Steamboat to New Orleans 
tomorrow morning will be my excuse for the few observations I 
can add to the information contained in the despatches to Mexico. 
But I cannot refrain from expressing the hope that the altered 
situation of Mexico, as respects the offer of a just settlement of 
this dispute will facilitate the preservation of peace in this ques- 
tion, and prevent the intended dismemberment of that Republic. 

Whatever of plea or pretext may be strained to vindicate the 
annexation of the Country in the actual occupation of the Texians 
to the United States and howsoever practicable or otherwise that 
may be, it seems totally impossible to divine the grounds which are 
to justify the seizure of an immense territory by the United 
States in which the Texians have never had a Settler. For surely 
not much more serious attention can be given to the present Texian 
legislative limitation, than to the Act passed through both Houses 
of Congress and vetoed by General Houston in his first adminis- 
tration, carrying the Western boundary of this Eepublic to the 

='F. O. Texas, Vol. 13. 



496 Texas State Ilistoncal Association 

Shores of the Pacific ! If the present limits were admitted for 
one moment, something might soon be heard of General Houston's 
unconstitutional exercise of the Veto power on that and many 
other occasions, and of the right inherent in the people to correct 
the consequences of that arbitrary conduct, and reannex the whole 
Country involved by Congress in the law in question. In every 
view that I have been able to take of this very serious question I 
cannot but think that the recent policy of Mexico, unfortunately 
tardy as it has been, has still materially and advantageously altered 
her Situation. And turning to Your Lordship's instructions of 
the 3d May I hope it will be satisfactory to Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment that there has not been the least departure from the prin- 
ciples upon which they were founded, as to the careful absence of 
any thing in the nature of guarantee, or pledge of assistance, to 
either party in this contest. 

The tone of the President's proclamation^^ herewith forwarded 
will also I trust be agreeable to Her Majesty's Government. It 
may probably produce considerable effect amongst portion of the 
people of the United States, and in the difficult circumstances 
that he is placed, it is not more than truth and justice to say that 
he has acted with courage, honour, and prudence. The approach- 
ing Convention, (perfectly irregular and beyond the Law of itself, 
assembled to take into consideration the extinction of the Nation- 
ality of the Country, and with it the violation of their compacts, 
direct and implied, with the powers with which they have treaties,) 
appears to me to be a state of things that had better not have the 
countenance of any Foreign representative accredited to this Ee- 
public; (I mean by countenance, such assent as might be inferred 
from his presence,) and I shall therefore set out for the United 
States as soon after the assembly of Congress on the 16th Inst, 
as I can conveniently get away. 

In the brief Note I shall address to the Government on my 
departure, I shall attribute it to infirm health, which indeed is 
my sufficient excuse for leaving this part of the Continent without 
delay. I am also sensible that my continued presence here during 
the discussions in the Convention Avould be attended with mis- 
chievous rather than advantageous consequences, and I trust my 

""The National Register, Extra, June 6, 1845. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 497 

departure will have Your Lordship's approbation. I avail myself 
of this occasion to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatches to the 
3d May, but what has already been accomplished, and the present 
temper of this people necessarily relieve me from any movement 
in the sense of those Instructions. 

Charles Elliot. 

JONES TO ELLIOT^^ 

[Enclosure.] 

Copy. 
Charles Elliot. Washington, 

(Private) June 6th. 1845 

My Dear Sir,. 

I send you enclosed herewith a Despatch from the Baron Aeley 
de Cyprey. The package for him contains a letter of acknowledg- 
ment for his courtesy and kindness, together with a properly Cer- 
tified Copy of the Proclamation, and some printed Copies, attested 
by myself in the same manner as those herewith enclosed for your 
own use 

I have as you will perceive made some slight alterations in the 
Proclamation from the first Copy, but none I think which you 
will dislike. 

Would it not be well that Mexico should make a formal decla- 
ration of a Cessation of hostilities on her part? I think it would 
be well although I consider her Assent to the preliminaries, neces- 
sarily presupposes, and promises such Cessation. But the people 
here would be more satisfied and feel more secure if the declara- 
tion was made formal and public. 

The Bearer of this will be with you on Monday or Tuesday at 
farthest and will return immediately to this place. Please write 
by him. 

It strikes me that the question of Annexation or Independence 
will come up to be decided by the people of Texas only when the 
Vote is taken on the ratification of the Constitution which will 
be proposed by the Convention. This Vote will probably be taken 
in September or October next. What the state of public feeling 

=»F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



49S Texas State Historical Association 

may be at that time it is impossible to determine. I do not even 
presume to "guess" 

(Signed) Anson Jones. 
To Captain Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.] Inclosure No. 2 in Captn Elliot's Despatch to 
The Earl of Aberdeen No. 17 June 12th. 1845. 

ELLIOT TO BANKHEAD^" 

[Enclosure] 

Copy. Galveston 

June 11th. 1845. 
Sir, 

I have the honour to acquaint you that I arrived here on the 
31st. Ultimo, and proceeding immediately to Washington, placed 
the preliminai7 Conditions in the hands of the President of Texas 
on the evening of the 2d Instant. His Excellency told me that 
the general state of popular excitement in favour of Annexation, 
so little looked for three months since, could be no sufficient 
motive with him for failing to fulfil what he felt to be his obliga- 
tions towards his own Country, towards Mexico, and towards the 
Powers who had interested themselves in the peaceful and hon- 
ourable adjustment of this struggle; and that he should therefore, 
in the course of a day or two, issue a Proclamation, making known 
the actual situation of affairs with Mexico to the people of this 
Country, and leaving it to them and their Constitutional Agents 
to dispose of the result as they should judge best. 

With respect to the additional declaration made by the Govern- 
ment of Mexico, he had no hesitation so far as depended upon the 
Executive, in accepting it. That is, in express terms, he adhered 
to the declaration he had formerly made to M. de Saligny and 
myself as to the willingness of this Government to stipulate an 
indemnity in the final treaty, if the limitary conditions were 
satisfactory, and he certainly could offer no just objection to the 
other reservation made by the Secretary of State to Mexico in the 
contingency of movement in the direction of annexation. But 
with no firm belief in the final completion of that scheme (for the 
difficulties appeared to be very great, if not insuperable, both here 

'•F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondefice Concerning Texas 499 

and in the United States,) he cordially hoped that the Ministers 
of the two Powers would be able to induce the Government of 
Mexico peacefully to wait the turn of events. 

Concerning the appointment of Commissioners to proceed to 
Mexico, he thought it must be unnecessary to say that in the 
present temper of the public, and with the close assembly of Con- 
gress, such a step would be unsuitable and mischievous; but he 
might soon be in a situation to adopt that course, and in that case, 
it might be depended upon that he would have careful regard to 
your suggestions. I said I was gratified to hear that His Excel- 
lency had resolved to publish the Proclamation, but I could not 
conceal from him my own impression that what had taken place 
with the authority of the Government since the month of March 
last when he had placed the Preliminaries in our hands was enough 
to justify the Government of Mexico in declaring their acceptan'ce 
of them to be null and void; and further that the course pursued 
in Texas had left it perfectly open to the Government of Mexico 
forthwith to take what steps they saw fit for the safety and rights 
of the Country. 

The President told me that he had convened Congress and rec- 
ommended a Convention in the plain perception that no other 
means were left to him of averting bad and irreparable conse- 
quences. He had no doubt that He had acted wisely for the well 
understood interests of this Country in those particulars; and he 
could further assure me that the course most ardently desired 
by the partizans of annexation here and elsewhere was military 
movement beyond the Eio Grande by Mexico. Such a step would 
immediately and decisively accomplish the measure. I remarked 
that the policy to be pursued by Mexico was a subject to which 
I was not competent to speak, but I thought it possible that the 
Ministers of the two Powers might endeavour to induce the Gov- 
ernment of Mexico to refrain from onward movement, till some 
final decision was taken by the people of Texas, as long as this 
Government and people were confining themselves within the 
limits of their present occupation. That, however, was mere pri- 
vate and personal opinion upon my part, and the President would 
have the goodness only to accept it in that sense. 

The Proclamation has reached me this day, and I am only pre- 
vented from, forwarding the Despatches to the "La Perouse" at 



500 Texas State Historical Association 

once, by the unfavourable state of the weather which prevents 
commnnication. The Copy herewith transmitted is attested by 
the President himself. So far as I can observe there is no re- 
mission as yet of this feverish excitement in favour of annexation, 
provoked and kept alive by extraneous agency, and, judging from 
present appearances, there can be little doubt that the annexation 
resolutions will be adopted both by Congress and the Convention. 
But it may I think, be depended upon that the late policy of 
Mexico, and the present attitude of this Government will have 
greatly increased the difficulties of the annexation party here, and. 
most particularly, in the United States. 

With firm adherence on the part of Mexico to the protest agains:^ 
annexation, active preparations for defence, and the continued 
exhibition of the offer of Settlement on the basis of Independence 
till some decisive action is completed by the people of Texas in 
the sense of annexation, (unless some forward movement should 
be made by them beyond the limits of their present occupation, 
or by the Troops of the U. S. into Texas,) I trust that this very 
serious business may yet be adjusted advantageously and satis- 
factorily. 

My last despatches from England are of the 3rd May inclosing 
me Copies of those to you of the 1st Idem : But what has already 
been accomplished, and the present temper of the public here, 
relieve us from any necessity of movement at this point under, 
those Instructions 

The President desires me to convey to you his best thanks for 
your kind and able interposition in the negotiations at Mexico. 

Signed Charles Elliot. 

To His Excellency, Charles Bankhead. 
Mexico. 
[Endorsed.] Inclosure ISTo 1 in Captain Elliot's Despatch to 
The Earl of Aberdeen. No 17. June 12. 1845 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 501 

ELLIOT TO BANKHEAD^^ 

[Enclosure] . 
Copy. 

Galveston 

Private June 11th. 1845. 

My dear Mr Bankhead., 

Beyond the information furnished in my despatch I have to 
tell you that the President described the state of feeling here to 
be that of fever, and like all fevers he said it must run it's course 
for good or for evil. 

He ascribed the sudden and general spread of the disease to 
the alarm excited at Washington (D. C.) by the Anti Annexation 
Articles in the Government Newspaper, which had led to an influx 
of Agents specially charged to work upon the people and damage 
his influence. His simple chance of useful intervention depended 
in his mind, upon complete abstinence from opposition just now. 
That would be futile or indeed worse, would fan the flare. 

But he thought he observed symptoms of an abatement of the 
excitement already, and he requested me to conjure the Baron and 
yourself to keep Mexico from any kind of onward Movement. 
Such a step he says, would be fatal to the prospect, and the good 
prospects of averting all this mischief. 

I should tell you that I learnt as soon as I landed from a source 
of information entirely to be depended upon that Commodore 
Stockton was using ever}' effort to induce the President to issue 
a Proclamation calling out Volunteers for the purpose of occupy- 
the Country to the Rio Grande at once. 

The President frankly admitted to me that such was the case, 
and told me (I use his own words as nearly as I can remember 
them) that he said to those parties "I see not one single motive 
for Annexation if it is not for security and protection, or if we 
are to do our own fighting, and I tell you plainly that I will not 
be made the scape goat in such an affair as you have proposed 
to me. The United States Government must take all the respon- 
sibility, and all the expence and all the labour of hostile move- 
ments upon Mexico. I will issue no Proclamation of the kind, 
you wish, and authorize no movement unless Mexico mahes a move- 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



503 Texas State Historical Association 

merit upon lis. Somebody else must break up the state of peace. 
It shall not be me." You will see by the Proclamation that he 
has kept his word, and I remark already that it is a heavy blow 
to the violent partizans of the scheme here. Donnelson who 
arrived from the U. S. the day after I got here, and who I met 
on his way to Washington will probably enough disavow Stockton 
and at all events the Proclamation will be a sad disappointment 
to him, for he will be able to judge of it's effect on the wise por- 
tion of the people of the U. S. 

I see good reason to think, however, that the Mexican Governt 
should concentrate force on the line of the Rio Grande as soon 
as possible, and do what may be practicable without a moment's 
delay to protect Matamoras against a Coup de Main. I believe 
too it would also be well to turn up breast works at the Brasses 
Santiago, and mount a few heavy guns and Mortars there. I 
should also particularly suggest that a very careful watch should 
be had on movements from this quarter on the Commachee and 
other frontier tribes. I make little or no doubt that they would 
attempt to tamper with them, and I am also strongly inclined to 
believe that Stockton's force here has a large supply of arms and 
ammunition ready for distribution amongst this people. 

But if I may venture to offer an opinion I think it would be 
very unwise of Mexico to take the initiative in hostile or onward 
movements. That step should be left to the Government of the 
U. S. which will find it no easy or irresponsible affair during the 
recess of Congress and in the entirely altered attitude of Mexico 
as respects Texas, with a closely divided state of parties in their 
own Country upon the subject, and indeed serious divisions in 
their own ranks in regards to it. 

I forward herewith for the Baron's and your own perusal a 
copy of a private letter which I have this morning received from 
the President, and I take the liberty to suggest that it might be 
of advantage if the Mexican Govermt. would forthwith issue a 
Proclamation declaring that no onward movements would be made 
whilst none were made by the Texians, or U. S. troops, that is, 
in the present state of the relations between the two Countries. 

Saligny is at New Orleans and writes to me that he thinks it 
best in the present state of affairs to remain there till he has 
received answers to his despatches of the 3d April, which may be 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 508 

looked for by the "Great Western'-' on the 9th or 10th Inst. He 
has begged Elliot^^ ^-q remain for him at the Mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi till that date. The "Great Western" will bring dates of 
the 14th or 15th Ulto. I should mention that the President told 
me in confidence that a considerable number of the Delegates to 
the Convention ostensibly favourable to Annexation, were not at 
all so in reality, and would go there steadily determined to send 
such a Constitution to the U. S. as would not be accepted by that 
Legislature. I give it to you as he said it to me, but can ofEer no 
opinion upon the possibility of the Statement 

The pinch of the question will be in the U. S. next Session, 
and if Mexico is firm and moderate. She will avoid this danger. 
Houston is gone to j^ew Orleans and the Hermitage to sound the 
depths in those quarters, and calculates his chance of running for 
President in succession to Polk, and I shall think it very wonder- 
ful if they do not continue to catch him, and throw him over 
afterwards, adroit as he is. He is a fellow of infinite resource 
too, and under the cards he may be working the right way to get. 
It would be like him. The American force here consists of 
"Princeton" (Steamer) "Saratoga" and St. Mary's Corvettes of 
20 guns each, and Porpoise 10 gun brig. Their main business 
here is to, spend money or as they have it in the U. S. to "log roll." 

I beg to mention to you that I am on the point of leaving this 
Country for I really do not think it proper to remain here whilst 
this Convention is sitting. The Measure is purely revolutionary, 
and I see not suitable excuse for remaining in Texas whilst the 
people are unlawfully, or at all events beyond the Law, debating 
upon the extinction of their Nationality, and the violation of their 
compacts with the Powers who have treated with them. My 
health too is shaken heavily, and I have private distresses with 
which I will not trouble you, but they are sad to bear. 

If the Governt. of Mexico have anything to communicate to 
this Governt. under present Circumstances, I would suggest that 
it had better be done directly through the General Officer in Com- 
mand of the Army of the North, and if this Government should 
happily defeat the Annexation Scheme, they will be able to com- 
municate freely and directly. Till that Scheme is thrust further 

^^Captain George Elliot of H. M. S. Eurydice. 



504 Texas State Historical Association 

back than it stands at present, I do not think it right to remain 
here. The President has behaved as well as he could, and I hope 
the Governt of Mexico will carry on any Communications they 
may have with this Governt. in a conciliatory spirit and respectful 
terms. It would be sound policy to do so, and a contrary course 
would help their enemies. 

Very kind regards to Mr [Mrs.] Bankhead and Doyle if you 
please, with a thousand Compliments to the Baron and his family. 
Very sincerely yours. 

Charles Elliot. 

P. S. I have just reed, a line from Saligny dated 9th June. 
The Despatches by "Great Western" were looked for hourly, and 
he would come on by "Eurydice." The President begged me most 
particularly to remind the Baron and yourself that the Memoran- 
dum of our Conference should be kept secret. 
To Charles Bankhead, Esqr Mexico. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 18. Galveston. 

June 15. 1845. 
My Lord, 

Since I had the honour of addressing Your Lordship on the 
12th Inst. I have had an attack of Ague and fever, and finding 
that the best chance of interrupting this disorder and restoring 
myself to a fit state for Service is by immediate change, I pro- 
pose to go to Few Orleans by the Steam Boat which has been 
delayed here till today. I shall wait there for [until?] the Presi- 
dent's Message has reached me, and if there should be anything 
[nothing?] to detain me to the Southward in the circumstances 
arising out of the Assembly of Congress I shall venture to pro- 
ceed forthwith to New York, holding myself in constant readiness 
to return here whenever that step may be necessary or desirable. 

The state of my health should not have induced me to leave 
Texas at present if I did not feel that there can be no reasonable 
doubt as to the course of the present Congress respecting annex- 
ation, and renewed reflection has strengthened me in the im- 
pression that I had better not be here at the period of their formal 

"^F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 505 

action upon this subject, be it what it may. The continued pres- 
ence of the American Naval force named in the margin,^* off this 
Bar, and the circumstances, leave me without doubt that it is the 
settled purpose of the Government of the United States to avail 
themselves of anj^ opportunity or pretext to take Military pos- 
session of this part of the Country, at least, and by that step so 
far to commit the two Governments and Legislatures as to dimin- 
ish all risk of retractation or disturbance here or in their own 
Country 

But I will not dismiss this topic without taking the liberty to 
repeat an opinion I have in another place expressed to Your Lord- 
ship — ; that is, that Mexico has much more efficacious Means of 
responding formidably to forcible aggression by the United States 
than seems to be generally contemplated here or there. There i.= 
more of aptitude in the United States for the accession of terri- 
tory on that Side, by the mode of gradual encroachment in the 
unsettled Countries, than by regular Military operations and con- 
quest. And if the policy and resources of Mexico are judiciously 
directed to prevent the first and arrest the last, I think that the 
result of regular Military modes of proceeding will not answer 
the expectation of the persons and councils in the United Statea 
intending the forcible dismemberment of the Mexican Confederacy. 
The danger to Mexico from the United States is in the Settler, 
and intrigue and conspiracy, not in their Armies and Navies, and 
the true point to be watched, and placed on a safe footing at once, 
I am strongly inclined to believe, is Upper California. 

Texas, in the actual occupation of the Texians, cannot be 
safely disturbed by Mexico, and the Country beyond those limits 
as far as the Eio Grande, is for the most part perfectly desert, 
and unfit either for settlement, or protracted Military operations. 
If the Texians and Americans are betrayed as far as the Eio Grande 
in pursuit of their Aggressive Schemes there may be less diffi- 
culty in effectually checking them than is generally believed. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Eight Honourable, 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

^*Princeton (Steamer), St. Mary's and Saratoga (Corvettes), and Por- 
poise (Brig). 



508 Texas State IJiyJoricaJ Association 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN*^ 

No. 16, Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston 
June 24th 1845. 
My Lord, 

In the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires who left 
Galveston for New Orleans on the 15th Instant, accompanied by 
Mr John Macdougall, I have the honor to inform your Lord- 
ship that the Congi-ess of Texas (which assembled on the 16th 
Instant,) has passed a Joint Eesolution accepting the proposition 
for Annexation submitted to the Texan government by the Gov- 
ernment of the United States, 

I beg leave to enclose a printed Copy of the Joint Eesolution^® 
passed by the Congress of Texas, relative to Annexation. 

Another Joint Eesolution has passed the Texan Congress, au- 
thorizing the introduction of United States' troops into Texas, 

It is understood that Military occupation will be taken of the 
tract of Country lying between the Nueces and the Eio Grande; 
for the purpose of making the latter river the boundary between 
Mexico and Texas. 

William Kennedy 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K, T. 

BANKHEAD TO ELLIOT" 

[Enclosure] . ' Mexico 

June 39—1845. 
Sir, 

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your De- 
spatches of the 11th Instant containing the Proclamation of Mr 
President Jones on the receipt of H. Ey. of the preliminary 
Articles of which you were the bearer. — It is very gratifying to 
find that the tenour of this Document is so conciliatory towards 
Mexico, and evidently by it's language desirous of cultivating 
Peace and Goodwill, rather than the alternative of Annexation. 

Senor Cuevas's mind had been much disturbed by the exag- 

''F. O., Texas, Vol. 14. 

'"Not found. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. This and the following letter are here placed 
in correct chronological order, though not received and transmitted by 
Elliot until August, owing to his absence from Texas. 



British Correspondepce Concerning Texas 507 

gerated Statements he had received respecting the State of Affairs 
in Texas but I was fortunately enabled by your valuable assist- 
ance to calm down his excited feelings, while, at the same time, 
I strenuously, and I think with success, conjured him to allow 
no false or interested statement to urge this Government into 
any onward, or imfriendly Step while the Measure respecting 
Texas is pending — but to wait calmly for the decision of the Con^ 
vention, which by a letter you were so good as to send for Mon- 
sieur de Cyprey's and my information, is not likely to take place 
before October. 

I am endeavouring to induce this Government to issue a Proc- 
lamation for a Cessation of hostilities, in return for that so 
spontaneously made by the President of Texas 

And Mr Cuevas assured me that no language but that of Coa- 
ciliation would be used in accompanying the publication of the 
latter Document in the Government paper here. 

Charles Bankhead. 

Copy remaining with my papers. 
Captain Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.] Inclosure 'No 1 in Capt Elliot's Despatch No. 23. 
to the Earl of Aberdeen. August. 13. 1845. 

BANKHEAD TO ELLIOT^^ 

[Enclosure] Mexico. 

June 29. 1845 
Sir, 

It is with deep regret I learn from your private letter that you 
think it expedient to leave Texas during the Sitting of the Con- 
vention 

I am sure you will pardon my earnestly requesting you to re- 
consider this intended proceeding — for it is absolutely necessary 
that this Legation should be accurately informed from time to 
time of what is going on in Texas — and, moreover, Lord Aber- 
deen particularly enjoins you to do so in his Instruction of 3rd 
May. 

I take the liberty of adding that my opinion is fully supported 
by my french Colleagues and by the Mexican Government. 

I send this by H. M. S. Persian, and I fervently hope that 

^F. O. Texas, Vol. 13. 



508 Texas State Historical Association 

She may arrive in time to prevent your putting your plan into 
execution. 

Charles Bankhead 
Copy remaining with my papers. 

Charles Ellilot. 
Captain Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.] Inclosure No 2 in Capt Elliot's Despatch No 23 
to the Earl of Aberdeen. August 13. 1845. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^® 

No 10.^° Foreign Office. 

July 3d. 1845. 
Sir, 

I have received from you no Despatch of a later date than 
that of the 2d of April, marked "Secret," in which you reported 
the arrangement into which, in conjunction with the French 
Charge d' Affairs, you had induced the President of Texas to 
enter, with a view to obtaining the recognition of Texas by Mex- 
ico. In the same Despatch you mentioned your intention of pro- 
ceeding in person secretly to Mexico, in order to carry out more 
effectually the scheme of action thus devised in Concert with the 
Texian Government. 

I have subsequently learned from Her Majesty's Minister in 
Mexico your arrival in that City, and the success which had 
attended the united efforts of the Missions of England and Prance 
both in Mexico and Texas, by the conditional acceptance by the 
Mexican Government of the terms proposed to them by the 
Government of Texas. 

I am happy to be able to convey to you the approbation of 
Her Majesty's Government of the energy and ability with which, 
in conjunction with M. de Saligny, you prosecuted this matter 
with the Government of Texas. It might have been preferable, 
however, that you had not proceeded in person to Mexico; and 
at all events it would have been better that you had not pro- 

««F. O., Texas, Vol. 21. 

*°F. O., Texas, 21, Aberdeen to Elliott, Nos. 8, May 19, and 9, June 18, 
1845, have been omitted. No. 8 aclcnowledged receipt of despatches. 
No. 9 noted the transmission of copies of correspondence with British 
consuls in the United States relative to the sugar duties, but these copies 
could not be found. 



Britifih Cnrrespnndence Concerning Texas 500 

ceeded thither secretly, or under a feigned name or character, in- 
asmuch as the mystery which necessarily attended such secret 
expedition was liable to give rise to erroneous notions and false 
interpretations of our motives and intentions, especially on the 
part of the United States. 

The policy which Her Majesty's Government have pursued with 
respect to Texas and Mexico has been perfectly clear and open. 
It has never required any concealment. We naturally desired to 
preserve the independence of Texas, with which State we had 
entered into engagements, and concluded Treaties, but we also 
considered that the welfare of Mexico required that She should, 
if possible, be preserved from immediate contact with the United 
States. 

"We thought it probable that upon such separation the peace 
of the North American Continent, and therefore of the World, 
might materially depend. We accordingly employed our efforts, 
but openly and fairly, to accomplish this object. We looked 
upon it's furtherance as no less desirable for the United States 
than for Mexico, since we do not believe that the aggrandizement 
of the United States will in any way contribute to their strength, 
or to the advancement of the material interests of their people. 
On the contrary, we believe that such aggrandizement, will be 
found to have a precisely opposite effect, and that it will eventu- 
ally excite discord in the bosom of that great Country. But such 
dissention could scarcely fail to act injuriously upon British in- 
terests, considering the vast amount of British Capital which is 
engaged in Commerce with the United States. Our well under- 
stood national interests require that the United States should 
remain peaceful and united amongst themselves; but the system 
of extention of their territory which they are now pursuing seems 
to us to place their internal peace and union, as well as the peace 
of the whole Continent in jeopardy. For that reason therefore, 
as well as for those above pointed out, we have constantly sought 
to uphold the independence of Texas. But in pursuing this policy 
we have no specified British interests in view, apart from general 
interests, for we do not conceive that any material or direct 
British interest is involved in the independence of Texas. Had 
it been so, it would undoubtedly have been the duty of Her 
Majesty's Government to promote such interests by every fair 



510 Texas State Historical Association 

means in their power; but we should still have pursued that ob- 
ject as a clear and obvious publick obligation, without the small- 
est concealment. 

I have entered thus at length into explanations respecting the 
policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to Texas and 
Mexico, as well as the IJnited States, with reference to those 
Countries, in order to demonstrate to you that the Mystery which 
you unfortunately threw round your recent preceedings was not 
only unnecessary, but liable to be misunderstood in such manner 
as to make your policy appear in a light the very reverse of that 
which it ought to bear. 

In doing this I have thought it expedient to point out to you 
the error into which you have unintentionally fallen, and which 
is liable to create serious embarrassment and misunderstanding, 
in order that you may hereafter be enabled to avoid any repeti- 
tion of it. 

I do not think it necessary to enter upon this occasion into 
the question of the probable result of your late proceedings, since 
any reflections in which I might indulge must, in the uncertain 
position in which matters stand at present in Texas, be purely 
speculative. Her Majesty's Government see no reason to enter- 
tain any sanguine hope that the President of Texas will have 
been enabled to resist the popular clamour for annexation. It 
is therefore unnecessary at the present moment to give contingent 
instructions for the guidance of your conduct in the scarcely 
imaginable case of the maintenance of their independence by the 
people of Texas. In the event of the annexation of that Country 
to the United States being completed, you will remain at your 
post, or at some port of the United States, as you were author- 
ized to do by my Despatch marked "Separate" on the 3rd. of 
April last, until 3^ou receive further instructions from this Office. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot. R. N". 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 511 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN*^ 

No 19. New Orleans. 

July 3rd. 1845. 
My Lord, 

The President's Message,"*^ herewith transmitted, reached me 
this Evening, and seeing that there can be no further need for 
my stay in this quarter at present, I shall proceed to New York 
forthwith, holding myself in constant readiness to return to Texas 
at any moment that my presence there may be thought requisite 
or desirable. I learn by private letters from Texas that the 
Steamer Princeton was despatched direct to Norfolk, with these 
accounts, so that the detailed intelligence of what has passed in 
Texas will no doubt reach Her Majesty's Government from Wash- 
ington before this despatch can arrive in England. 

It would be erroneous to suppose that the unanimity of the 
Vote in the Texian Congress is decisive of the real feeling of the 
whole people of that Country. On the contrary, these scrambling 
and hurried proceedings in this grave affair afford reason to 
think that discussion was considered dangerous, and the acqui- 
escence of persons in that body well known to be adverse to An- 
nexation is only evidence that they were borne down by the ap- 
prehension of Violence, or at least by a sense that it was hopeless 
openly to resist the unscrupulous management and misrepre- 
sentation in operation at this moment. 

Her MajestVs Government will find in these proceedings of 
Congress, and the official Correspondence herewith transmitted 
remarkable proof of the extent to which the people have been 
deceived and worked upon both in the United States and in 
Texas. So far as it has yet gone however this Measure is no doubt 
an immense triumph to the great Slave Trade interests of this 
Country. 

Men, Women, and Children, My Lord, have risen in value at 
least 30 per Cent since this scheme was proposed by Mr Tyler 
in 1844; And the Annexation of Texas which some of the States- 
men of this Country have ventured to actuate in the phrase 
that it would constitute an "Exodus" for their Slave population 
signifies in the plainer speech, and, more reverent use of terms 

«F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 

"Printed copy of Jones' message of June 16, 1845. 



512 Texas State Historical Association 

applicable to this painful transaction, that they have robbed a 
Market from a weak and peaceful neighbour where Slavery had 
no legal existence for the disposal and consumption of their sur- 
plus human produce. Their avowed purpose is that the Slaves 
are to be worked off in Texas till Slavery can no longer be turned 
to profitable account, and then that the wreck of the race is to 
be driven forth into the Mexican Provinces, to mix themselves 
with the inhabitants of those Countries. 

But turning from this extravagance, I take the liberty to 
offer the opinion that the triumph these parties have achieved 
will be found to be insubstantial and transitory. Misrepresenta- 
tion and political intrigue, and disease and sordid Motives of 
all kinds are of no texture to withstand the right feeling, and 
sober purposes of the great body of this people on this subject 
of Slavery. The reaction will be strong, and not slow of com- 
ing; and so far as the durability of the institution of Slavery 
is considered I believe that the Annexation of Texas will by no 
means work steadily in the sense that its advocates suppose. 
But there are other consequences to he feared from the success 
•of such schem.es as this, and the time may not be distant when 
it will be manifest that the true friends of the honour, happi- 
ness, and integrity of this great Confederacy were those just and 
able Statesmen who warned their fellow Citizens against the evils 
of this bad plot. 

I learn from a good source this Evening that two Corps of 
infantry are to be sent immediately to Matagorda by Sea, and 
that a regiment of Cavalry is to march into Texas from Fort 
Jessup. It was said that the whole force under orders would 
not exceed 1,500 men. The Squadron before Galveston had broken 
up and returned to this Country. 

I take the liberty of forwarding Your Lordship the Copy of 
a Despatch I addressed to Mr Bankhead yesterday, and I would 
also mention that if your Lordship forwarded me any instruc- 
tions by the Mail of the 19th May, they have not yet reached me, 
having probably crossed me on my way up from Texas to this 
place. 

To the Right Honourable, 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



Charles Elliot. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 513 

ELLIOT TO BANKHEAD^ 

[Enclosure] 

Copy. New Orleans. 

Charles Elliot. July 3d. 184.5. 

Sir, 

T have the honour to acquaint you that I have availed myself 
of the engagement of the Congress and Convention in Texas in 
discussions during the continuance of which I do not think it 
suitable to remain in the Country, to come on to the United States, 
with the hope of finding some relief from an Ague Complaint 
to which I have long been subject in the hot season of these 
Climates. 

Indeed I perceive that in the present temper of the people 
and the actual attitude of these affairs my presence there would 
be made the pretext for continued misrepresentation and agita- 
tion. I shall go on to ISTew York, but shall of course be ready 
to retui-n to my post at any moment that my communications 
from England or other points may render that step necessary. 
Rumours of the immediate movement of United States Troops 
into Texas have been repeated several times during my brief resi- 
dence here, but I think it probable that no step of the kind will 
be taken until the Government of Texas of it's own accord or 
under the direction of Congress calls upon the American Charge 
d' Affaires to move the Commander of the force at Fort Jessup 
to advance. 

The President's proclamation of the 4th June affords a suffi- 
cient indication of the dispositions of the Government of Texas, 
but it is not so easy to speak favourably of the probable course 
of Congress. If however the Government of Mexico should 
have responded to the proclamation of the President by declar- 
ing a cessation of hostilities, and shall have caused it to be un- 
derstood that there will be no Movement beyond their actual 
lines for the present that is. East of the Eio Grande, I think 
that some mischeivous schemes will be baffied. Those schemes 
are, first. The immediate Military occupation of Texas by 
United States troops, which it is believed would close this Sub- 
ject beyond all risk of retraction or serious discussion by the 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



514 Texas State Historical Association 

next Congress of the United States, otherwise, a doubtful point. 
And, Secondly, the advance of part of the Force to the Brasses 
del Norte and left bank of the Eio Grande. Hence all the 
rumours of the Mexican Movement beyond that river in the 
prints of this Country and Texas, and the extreme vexation 
which followed the President's proclamation of the 4th Ultimo. 

Adverting however to the movement of United States troops 
into Texas at this time of year and for the advance to the Eio 
Grande I would observe that I do not believe there are more 
than 1500 Men of all arms at Fort Jessup, an insufficient as 
well as unsuitable force for the supposed objects. The diffi- 
culties of movement in the Country through which they must 
pass, and the absolute necessity of transporting all their Mate- 
rial, both provisions and of War, warrant the opinion that more 
than half that strength of regular troops would be in the hos- 
pitals before they had reached the Trinity. A great part of the 
Countr}'^ is desert, and even the cultivated parts of Texas are 
wholly without the means of supporting in an adequate manner 
even this small addition to the people upon them. 

If heavy rain should fall too, as sometimes happens at this 
Season there would be no possibility of getting on their Ma- 
terial, and if there should be a want of rain water also must 
be transported for a great part of the way, for it is not only 
very bad and unwholesome but extremely scarce over almost the 
whole face of the Countr}'-. The only mode by which I believe 
it would be practicable to place an organized American force 
in Texas in any thing like an effective condition would be to 
convey them from the Mouth of the Mississipi to the places 
on the Coast nearest to the points they are to move upon. In 
fact whilst advance by land is out of the question at this Sea- 
son of the year on account of the heat of the weather (at 
least beyond the Settlements in Texas) and full of difficulty in 
the Autumn and Winter Months on account of the state of the 
routes, movement by Sea is also extremely inconvenient owing 
to the Shallowness of the water in the Harbours of Texas which 
would render it necessary to effect the operation in a large num- 
ber of light Vessels, and the Gulf of Mexico is not at all a 
secure Na^agation for such craft from the beginning of August 
till after the Autumnal Equinox, owing to the risk of hurricanes. 



Britijih Correspondence Concerning Texas 515 

N"o person can be more sincerely desirous than myself, that 
this serious affair may be settled satisfactorily without a Col- 
lision between Mexico and the United States but I certainly do 
believe that the difficulties of movement either by land or Sea 
(except for a short period in the Spring and beginning of Sum- 
mer) and the continued Military occupation of the line of the 
Eio Grande with any amount of regular force that the United 
States can dispose of will be much greater than seems to be con- 
templated here. And if the War should be protracted and car- 
ried across the Eio Grande I believe that it would require very 
little skill and scarcely any exposure of the defending force to 
draw the invading Columns well forward beyond all means of 
support from their own basis and depots into situations of inex- 
tricable difficulty. 

From my opportunities of judging too of the fitness of their 
Volunteer levies for movement into an enemy's Country I 
should think that the danger and difficulty of invasion would 
only be greater as that kind of force was more numerous. They 
are very spirited in and effective in their particular mode of 
fighting, which is by skirmishing with the rifle, but they could 
not resist Artillery and Cavalry in a Country suited to those 
arms, they are not amenable to discipline, they plunder the 
peasantry, they are without steadiness under reverses, they can- 
not march on foot, and are in no way comparable to the Mexican 
force for rapidity of movement or sustaining continued fatigue 
on the hardest food. The danger to Mexico from this side does 
not seem to arise from regular military invasion, for which 
there is no aptitude and insufficient means, but from the gradual 
and not very slow occupation of the unsettled Countries unless 
they are timely prevented. And I will take the liberty to add 
here that from all I have heard both in Texas and this place 
since I had the honour of seeing you, there seems to be no doubt 
the greater part of the unusually large emigration of this year 
towards the Oregon territory is in point of fact intended for 
Upper California, perhaps particularly for the Valley of the Sac- 
ramento and San Francisco Bay. 

I believe also that it is accompanied by Agents of the Gov- 
ernment of the United States, and I should mention that it is 



516 Texas State Historical Association 

confidently said here by persons likely to be well informed, to 
exceed 10,000 souls. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Right Honourable. 

The Early of Aberdeen, K. T.^ 

[Endorsed] Copy of a despatch from. Captain Elliot to Mr 
Bankhead. July 3d 1845 Inclosure No 2 in Capt Elliot's De- 
spatch to the Earl of Aberdeen. No 19 of 1845. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 18 Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston 
July 24th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

In a Despatch No 16 of the 24th Ultimo, I had the honor 
to inform Your Lordship of the acceptance by the Congress of 
Texas, assembled in extra Session, of the terms of Annexation 
proposed by the Government of the Fnited. States. I also in- 
formed Your Lordship that the Congress had passed a Joint 
Resolution, authorizing the introduction of United States' troops 
into Texas. Of this Joint Resolution I am now enabled to en- 
close a copy, taken from the "National Register^' (Government 
paper) of the 17th Instant, which has just reached Galveston. 

From the same paper I have taken, and enclose herewith a 
Copy of — "An Act to establish certain Mail Routes therein 
named and for other purposes"* — ^whieh I have been given to 
understand was passed in deference to the wishes of Major 
Donaldson, United States' Charge d' Affaires in Texas. — The 
object of the Act is evidently to assist the territorial Jurisdiction 
of Texas over the tract of Country lying between the Nueces (sic.) 
and the Rio Grande, (which formed no part of Texas proper) 
and to establish the frontier line between Mexico and Texas — 
"up the principal Stream" of the Rio Grande to its Source, 
thence due North to the forty second degree of North Latitude." 
The territory over which Post Office and County Jurisdiction is 

^Error made by Elliot in copying. The letter is to Bankhead. 

'F. O., Texas, Vol. 14. 

*An unidentified newspaper cutting. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 51T 

asserted by the recent Act of Congress, comprizes parts of the 
Mexican Departments of Coahuila, Tamaulipas, Chihuahuia and 
New Mexico. 

United States troops, for the occupation of the Western fron- 
tier, are daily expected at Galveston. The "National Eegister" 
announces that Major Donaldson, TJ. S. Charge d' Affaires, has 
taken leave of the Government. This Gentleman is at present 
at Galveston, with, it is publicly stated, the intention of re- 
turning to the United States on the arrival of the American 
troops. 

Enclosed herewith are Newspaper extracts,^ giving the pro- 
ceedings of the Convention to the latest dates. — The terms of 
Annexation offered by the United States were accepted on the 
4th Instant, with only one dissenting voice (a Delegate from 
Galveston) and, on the 7th Instant, a Eesolution was adopted 
(with hut one dissentient) authorizing and requesting the in- 
troduction of United States' troops, for purposes specified. 

Her Majest/s Ship "Persian" arrived off Galveston, from 
Vera Cruz, on the 8th Instant, bearing Despatches for Captain 
Elliot (which I was authorized to open, in the event of Captain 
Elliot's absence from Texas) — and a communication addressed 
to myself — Conveying the earnest desire of His Excellency, Mr 
Bankhead, to be kept informed of the state of affairs in this 
Country, especially the proceedings of the Convention. Mr 
Bankheads Despatches are dated the 27th Ultimo, at which time 
the actions of the Texan Congress, in reference to Annexation, 
was not — it would seem — known in the City of Mexico. I was 
obliged to detain the "Persian" — (in order to obtain intelligence 
from Austin) until the 16th Instant, when She sailed for Vera 
Cruz, which the Commander expected to reach in eight or nine 
days. — The "Persian" conveyed to Her Majesty's Minister in 
Mexico intelligence of the proceedings of the Convention, in re- 
gard to Annexation; and the introduction of United States' 
troops; together with a series of printed documents, calculated to 
explain the course of affairs and the state of popular feeling in 
this Country. 

In a private letter to Mr Bankhead, I mentioned that I had 

^Unidentified cuttings. 



518 Texas State Historical Association 

obtained, and had proposed to avail myself of leave of absence, 
but that if it were his wish, I should most willingly forego my 
intention and continue at my post. If, on the other hand, he 
deemed it unnecessary, or unfitting, to communicate farther with 
Texas, and wished to forward despatches specially to Washing- 
ton (U. S.) or to England, I should be at his disposal for that 
purpose, on, or about, the tenth of next Month. There is no 
British Ship now in Port, nor are any expected until November, 
and it seemed to me that a rapid Journey to England, in the 
interval between August and November, might not be without 
its public uses. 

By the Brig "Hope Howes," which left Galveston for New 
Orleans on the 15th Instant, I informed Mr Pakenham, in brief 
and general terms of the adoption of Annexation by the Con- 
vention — adding that the intelligence was sufficiently accurate to 
be communicated to Her Majesty's Government. — The "Hope 
Howes" made a quick passage, and I should think reached New 
Orleans in time to enable Mr. Pakenham to write by the Mail 
Steamer of 1st August 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No 20. New York. 

July 28th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

I have had the honour to receive your Your Lordship's despatch 
No. 10 and it is a relief to me that there has not been the least 
departure from the principles recapitulated in that communica- 
tion, in what has been accomplished with the hope of sustain- 
ing the Independence of Texas. 

The manner indeed of my proceedings has unfortunately for 
myself subjected me to comments (and I cannot dispute the 
pleasure of Her Majesty's Government to disconnect themselves 
from any thing in their character that they do not like) but 
there is no objection to the matter concluded, and in that state 
of circumstances I need not trouble Your Lordship at much 

'F. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 519 

length on the present occasion. The degree in which my visit 
to Mexico contributed to the success of the negotiations at that 
place is a point on which I have no remark to offer but I will 
take the liberty to say that there would have been no hope of 
securing the time necessary for adjustment there, uninterrupted 
by disturbing representations from this quarter, if my destina- 
tion had been known when I left Texas. 

Your Lordship will perhaps also give me leave to observe that 
I have not neglected all calculation of the perfectly probable 
event of Annexation in spite of the contemplated arrangement 
with Mexico. Beyond the chance of success (not small in the 
estimation of the Government of Texas when I left) I thought 
and I still believe that even if it failed the completion and sub- 
sequent publicity of the conditions recommended to Mexico by 
the Grovemments of Her Majesty and The King of the French 
could in no way prejudice the public interest, but would on the 
contrary subserve them. The want of conclusive proof in the 
sight of the people of Texas and of this Country, of the dispo- 
sitions and ulterior purposes of Her Majesty's Government had 
already furnished the advocates of Annexation with their most 
powerful means of sustaining it. I believed therefore that mod- 
eration on the part of Mexico, even at that late hour, and un- 
equivocal evidence of the character and extent of the arrange- 
ment supported by Her Majesty's and the French Governments 
would deprive Annexation of the chief pretext which had given 
it so much strength here; fastening the Scheme without chance 
of evasion upon that mixture of Slave trade and the wrongful 
motives so little likely to find sympathy with the great body of 
the Nation in more sober moments, and a more perfect state of 
information than have hitherto had place. 

However Your Lordship may disapprove of any part of my 
proceedings, I may remark that no more than justice has been 
done to me in the belief that I am incapable of deliberately 
intending to injure the public Service. I am as free of such 
motives as any person in the Service of the Crown, and I meant 
on this occasion nothing else than to avail myself of the only 
chance that I saw was left to sustain the independence of Texas 
by the only means which T believed, with my opportunities of 
forming a judgment, afforded the least hope of success. It is 



520 Texas State Historical Association 

equally true that I entered upon the task with extreme reluct- 
ance and only in a sense that it was my duty to make the effort 
at once, for there was not a moment to be lost. 

But without desiring to protract the discussion or defence of 
any further conduct of mine that Your Lordship has thought 
proper to censure I may at least observe that the mystery ad- 
verted to was no more than was necessary to conceal my destina- 
tion. What has been said on this subject in the press of the 
TJnited States is merely that kind of unscrupulous attack and 
misrepresentation to which persons are liable in the discharge 
of their public obligations, and in this particular case is no 
more than the natural consequence of a faithful attempt to per- 
form my duty to my own Country, and I must give myself per- 
mission to add, no bad evidence of the extent to which the suc- 
cess of these proceedings has been felt to interfere with the easy 
accomplishment of bad and dangerous schemes. 

Let me say in conclusion that it had long been clear to me 
in the turn that affairs were taking, that the important con- 
sideration was not so much the mere Annexation of Texas, as 
what was to be Annexed under that term of extravagant pre- 
tensions, and scant title either of right or occupancy; And I 
have a confidence that what has been accomplished will help 
the peaceful obstruction of a spirit of injustice and rapacity 
against Mexico, and facilitate as safe an adjustment of the ques- 
tion for that Government as their own most unfortunate delay 
has left any room to make. Their late policy, tardy as it has 
been, will I hope go far to defeat the purposes of those parties 
in this Country who deliberately mean the forcible dismem- 
berment of Mexico, and in the main have the effect of limiting 
any possibly sustainable pretensions of the persons settled in 
Texas to the alienation only, of the territory in their actual 
occupation; Or at the very utmost of the remainder of the ter- 
ritory constituting Texas, according to the former divisions of 
the Country, upon a condition which Mexico would have the 
clearest right to demand under the fundamental law applying 
to tho.se regions of her domain, and an obligation of necessity 
to insist upon for the security of her frontier. 

I mean the condition that Slavery should never be intro- 
duced into the Ceded Country, and so brought contiguous with 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 521 

their own to the certainty of constant frontier dispute and raid 
arising out of the escape of Slaves, and the still worse evil of 
filling these lands with Settlers of the same kind as those who 
have already proved so dangerous to Mexico. The proposal of 
negotiations on this basis would I believe at once put an end 
to all risk of hostilities against Mexico by the United States, and 
either frustrate the scheme of Annexation entirely, or at least 
turn it to a more safe and honourable conclusion for all parties 
than it can otherwise reach. In conformity with Your Lord- 
ship's directions I shall wait here or in this neighbourhood till 
I am further instructed. 

I avail m'yself of this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of 
Your Lordship's despatches Kos 8 and 9, and I have the 
honour to be, 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 20. Her Majest/s Consulate 

Galveston 
July 28th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose herewith a Copy, in duplicate of 
the Laws affecting Shipping and Commerce, enacted by the 
Ninth Congress of the Eepublic of Texas, during the Session 
of 1844-5. 

I also enclose herewith Copy, in duplicate, of two Acts passed 
at the extra Session of Congress, which assembled on the 16th 
Ultimo, to consider the question of Annexation, one of which 
Acts refers to the future Meeting of Congress. — I postponed the 
transmission of the Acts of the regular Session until the kcX^ 
of the extra Session had been published. 

The following paragraph, in relation to the erection of a 
Light House on Galveston Island, appeared in "The Houston 
Telegraph" of the 7th of May last. 

"Light Houses. We have been authorized by the Secretary 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 14. 



523 Texas State Historical Association 

of the Treasury to mention that he has determined not to con- 
clude any Contract for the erection of the Liglit House at Gal- 
veston, or that at Matagorda. He considers it now so certain the 
Country will be soon Annexed to the United States, that he deems 
it advisable to husband the limited revenue of tlie Country, to 
defray the expences of the Congress and the Convention that will 
soon be convened, and he considers that the United States, hav- 
ing ample resources, will erect Light Houses at these points at 
an early period, far better adapted to the wants of Navigators 
than any that could be erected with the small appropriations 
made by our Congress" 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

[Enclosure]. Texas. Affecting Shipping and Commerce, en- 
acted by the Ninth Congress of the Republic of Texas. Session 
1844-5.« 

Tonnage Duties. 

An Act "Relative to Tonnage Duties," approved by the Presi- 
dent 1st February 1845, provides that "from and after the 1st 
of April 1845, there shall be levied and collected on each and 
every Texan vessel, and on each and every foreign vessel entitled by 
Treaty to equality with Texan vessels, Note* a Tonnage of Sixty 
two and a half Cents, for each ton of her burthen, on arriving 
in a port of this Eepublic from a foreign port." 

The same Act provides that one dollar per ton, as per Eegister, 
shall be collected from Foreign Vessels not entitled by Treaty 
to equality with Texan Vessels, on arriving with Cargo from a 
foreign port; — or any higher rate to which a Texan Vessel would 
be liable in a port of the Nation to which any foreign vessel, 
so entering, shall belong. 

It is likewise provided that a Vessel of either of the above 
mentioned classes, on arriving in a Texan port, from abroad, 
with ballast, shall be liable, on entry, to — "No more than one 
quarter of the rate of tonnage duly required of her by the pre- 
ceeding Sections" — and if she depart from the same port in bal- 
last" — No additional amount of Tonnage duty shall then be re- 

»F. O., Texas, Vol. 14. 

*Note. The vessels of Great Britain, France, Bremen and Holland. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 523 

quired of her" but if She shall depart with outward cargo, or 
proceed coastwise to another part of the Eepublic in ballast, and 
then take in cargo; — "She shall pay the remaining three quar- 
ters of her regular rate of Tonnage duty, at the port whence 
She clears with lading.'' 



Coasting Vessels. 

By the same Act, every Texan vessel of foreign build, while 
sailing under a Coasting License is chargeable with an Annual 
Tonnage duty of Sixty two and a half Cents per ton, payable 
on the expiration of the half-yearly License, or, pro rata, if the 
vessel should be lost, or the License surrendered before the term 
of its expiration. 



Transportation of Goods Coastwise 

By an Act approved by the President 3d February 1845, it 
is provided that — "When any vessel arrives in a port of the 
Eepublic, from a foreign Country, with goods, wares, and Mer- 
chandize on board, destined to another port of the Eepublic, to 
which the vessel itself is not destined," — it shall be lawful to 
forward such Merchandize, under bond, in a Texan vessel to 
the port of her final destination — "without exacting payment 
of duties until their arrival at the second place of their land- 
ing." — Consignments, to be entitled to that privilege, must be 
exigible to, at last, one hundred dollars' duty, — must be en- 
tered, at the first port in the usual form — "except that the 
entry and oath shall specify that the importation is entered 
for the privilege of reshipment Coastwise subject to duty" — 
and that no fraud on the revenue is intended by such reship- 
ment, it being requisite that — "Her Merchandize and effects, so 
reshipped, shall be contained in the same packages, or cases, 
in which they were imported, unless a change of package should 
be necessary for their preservation, in which case, they may be 
repacked before shipment, under the inspection of the revenue 
Authorities." 

Before entry for reshipment is made, bond is to be given to 
the Collector for payment of — "the full amount of duties on 



524 Texas State Historical Association 

the effects reshipped, at the end of Sixty days from its date, 
unless satisfactory proof be produced to the Collector, within 
that time, that the said effects have been landed, and the duties 
paid thereon, or secured according to law, or that the said effects 
have been accidentally lost, or destroyed, before being relanded." 
Any Merchandize reshipped according to the provisions of 
this Act, — "shall be subject to inspection both at the port of 
its first entry, and at that whereunto it is reshipped — and until 
it has been duly delivered at the latter, the Revenue Laws shall 
have the same power over it as in the case of goods entered 
and landed first from a Foreign port, — and any vessel on which 
such Merchandize is reshipped shall, from the time it is put on 
board until the time it is lawfully delivered, be under the same 
restrictions and responsibilities as if the said vessel had on 
board a cargo bound direct from a foreign Port." 



Light House on Galveston Island. 

In consequence of representations made by Her Majest/s 
Consul at Galveston to the proper Department of the Texan 
Government, an Act passed Congress and was approved by the 
President 3d February 1845, making an appropriation for the 
purpose of erecting a Light House on the East end of Galveston 
Island. The Light House and lantern were to be, at least, 
seventy five feet in height, and the work was to be commenced 
on, or before, the first day of June next following, and to be 
completed on the 3d. of February 1846. — For the support of 
Light-Houses, a Light Tax of three Cents per ton was to be 
collected on all vessels arriving in the ports of the Republic from 
a Foreign Country. — In the beginning of March, the Secretary 
of the Treasury advertised for the erection of the Light House, 
but the undertaking was soon afterwards abandoned by the Gov- 
ernment, in view of the speedy Annexation of Texas to the 
United States. 



Hospital at Galveston. 

By an Act approved by the President, 3d. February 1845, 
for the establishment of an Hospital at Galveston, it is provided 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 525 

that, from and after the 1st of May next ensuing, — "the Com- 
mander of every vessel arriving at the Port of Galveston, shall 
be required to pay to the Collector of Customs at that port the 
Sum of fifty Cents for every foreign Male white Cabin passenger 
over Sixteen years of age, and the Sum of twenty five Cents for 
every foreign white Male Steerage passenger over Sixteen years 
of age, according to the list of passengers produced by the said 
Commander, or his clerk, which list shall be sworn to/' 



Chambers of Commerce at Galveston. 

By an Act approved by the President, 3d February 1845, a 
Corporate body was created under the style and title of "The 
Galveston Chamber of Commerce" — an institution which, ac- 
cording to the preamble of the Act, — "is much required by the 
Mercantile Community, as tending to diminish litigation, and to 
establish uniform and equitable charges." 

It is provided that the Act of Incorporation shall, — '%e in 
force, from the passage thereof, for and during the space of 
twenty years, and take effect from and after its passage." 



Two Acts, 

passed at the Extra Session of the Ninth Congress of Texas, — 
June 1845. 

An Act. 

Supplementary to "an Act to regulate proceedings in Civil 
Suits. 

This Act provides that, from and after the 27th June 1845 — 
"in all Suits brought to recover the price, or value, of any 
goods, wares, or Merchandize imported, or Notes given for the 
same, the fact that such goods, wares or Merchandize, were 
imported, or introduced, into the Republic, without payment of 
the lawful Duties, or in violation of any Pevenue Law thereof, 
may be pleaded in defence, and, if established, shall constitute 
a legal and valid defence in all such cases." — It is further pro- 
vided that, — "in cases where such defence shall be pleaded" — 
and also in cases — '^hen anv Civil action shall hereafter be 



526 Texas State Historical Association 

brought to recover duties not paid, the party so charged, or 
implicated, shall not be liable to any Criminal prosecution for 
the same offence, or non-payment." 



An Act. 

To alter the time for the Meeting of the Annual Sessions 
of Congress. 

The First Section of this Act, — provides that. — "The Annual 
Sessions of the Congress of the Republic shall, hereafter, com- 
mence on the Second Monday in May, any law, now in existence 
the contrary-wise notwithstanding." 

By the Second Section of this Act, — "Such of the appropria- 
tions of the regular Session of the Ninth Congress, (except ap- 
propriations for Foreign Legations) as the President may deem 
necessary and cannot be dispensed with, are extended, pro rata, 
to the Second Monday in May. A. D. 1846, or until the incor- 
poration of Texas as a State of the United States. 

The Acts received the President's approval on the 26th of 
June 1845. 

[Endorsed.] In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch, No. 20. 
dated July 28th. 1845. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No 21. New York, 

July 30th 1845 
My Lord, 

By private letters from Texas to the 14th Instant I am in 
formed that a resolution to the following effect proposed in the 
House of Representatives on the last day of the Session of Con- 
gress had failed. 

"Resolved by the House of Representatives." 

"That the course of the Executive in relation to the question 
"of Anuexation had been unpatriotic and unwise, attempting to 
"thwart the people in their well known wish to unite themselves 
"to the great political family of the United States, and throw 
"them afloat again upon the troubled Sea of a separate exist- 

»F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 



Britwh Correspondence Concerning Texas 537 

"ence to be the sport of a policy hostile to liberty in both 
"Hemispheres, and that He may not be enabled to throw further 
^'obstacles in the way of this great Measure and ultimately effect 
"it's defeat we recommend to the Convention of the people of 
"Texas to establish a Government ad interim until The Con- 
"stitution of the State of Texas shall go into effect as being the 
"most certain, effectual and economical mode of securing our 
"Annexation to the United States." 

The Convention assembled at Austin on the 4th Instant, and 
elected General Eusk to be President. An ordinance had been 
passed with one dissenting voice, consenting upon the behalf of 
the people of Texas to the terms of Annexation proposed by the 
'Government of the United States, and on the 5th a resolution 
was passed requesting the President of the United States on the 
behalf of the people of Texas to send troops forthwith to their 
frontier 

By private letters to the 17th Instant from Xew Orleans I 
am informed that the force assembled there under the Command 
of Brigadier General Taylor consists of two Corps of Infantry 
amounting to about 1400 bayonets, and also that two Companies 
of Artillery (180 strong) were at that time coming up the river, 
supposed to be destined for Texas. It was reported that this 
force would sail about the 25th Instant for Matagorda in the 
Steam Ship "Alabama" and three other transports, but this last 
statement is not made with entire confidence. 

A regiment of Cavalry, between 400 and 500 strong was said 
to have marched for San Antonio de Bexar from Port Jessup 
in the early part of this month. 

On my way up to the Northward I thought it convenient to 
pass through the Port of Norfolk but did not remark any par- 
ticular activity at that point. 

Besides the Guard Ship (Pensylvania) there was one heavy 
frigate alongside the Yard in a state of partial equipment, one 
or two Sloops of War fitting, and one Corvette in the Stream, 
arm.ed and equipped, but not manned, her Ship's Company hav- 
ing been recently landed in consequence of fever. The force 
under the Command of Commodore Conner on the home Station 
(which comprizes the Service of the Gulf of Mexico) consists, T 
believe, of One heavy frigate, 1 of 46. 4 or 5 Corvettes, and siy 



528 Texas State Historical Association 

Brigs and Schooners, with two Steam Ships, (the Mississipi and 
Princeton) but it is said here that it is to be strengthened im- 
mediately from the Meditteranean, Brazil, and Coast of Africa 
Stations, and I heard at Galveston from a good source that Com- 
modore Biddle^" in the Columbus, was to return from China by 
the way of the Pacific with part of the East India Squadron. 
Upon the whole I incline to believe that the force actually on 
foot has been encreased to the full extent of the appropriations 
for the Service of the Current year. I have not remarked in 
the papers that the Squadron has sailed again from Pensacola, 
where it was when I left New Orleans. H. M. S. Persian was 
at G-alveston on the 14th Inst., but was to sail as soon as the 
Commander received replies from Washington, looked for on the 
16th. I have not heard the purpose of her visit but conjecture 
that it must have been to carry replies to the despatches I for- 
warded to Mr Bankhead on the 13th June by the "La Perouse." 

With a view to place the Commander in Chief in possession 
of the latest information I have of the State of affairs in Texas 
and the Gulf of Mexico, I have taken the liberty to inclose this 
despatch under a fly Seal to him, with a request that he will 
have the goodness to peruse and forward it to England by the 
Mail. I have also forwarded him a Copy of my despatch to Mr 
Bankhead of the 3d July last 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. [22.] New York. 

August. 12th 1845 
My Lord, 

By papers and letters from Texas to the 24th Ulto. I learn 
that the Convention was still in Session, and that the Several 
branches of the State Constitution has been referred to separate 
Committees. It was thought that they would have concluded 

"John Biddle, a distinguished American naval officer. He was stationed 
on the California coast during the Mexican War. (Appleton, Cyclop, of 
Am. Biography.) 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 539 

their business in the early part of this month, but I am led to 
understand that some difficulty was contemplated upon the sub- 
ject of the limits of the State, as also from an attempt to divide 
it at once into two, which would of itself be a departure from 
the United States Annexation resolution, and otherwise calcu- 
lated to embarrass the easy conclusion of the affairs in this 
quarter. 

Another point that is likely to produce dissatisfaction in Texas 
at least, is the view of the Government of the United States re- 
specting goods to be exported from Texas into this Country after 
the completion of Annexation. Persons connected with the 
trade of Texas had formed the idea that Merchandize imported 
into the United States from there after Annexation, could not 
be chargeable again in the ports of this Country as coming from 
a Member of the Confederacy. These impressions had prepared 
the way for a vast influx of Merchandize from Europe into 
Texas, and from the United States under the drawback system, 
with the purpose of an extensive return trade as soon as An- 
nexation were finally accomplished; And it consists with my 
knowledge that the Government of Texas favoured the purposes 
of these parties with the intention of helping their own revenue. 

The Secretary of the Treasury however in the United States 
takes a different view of the subject. Without expressing any 
opinion upon that Gentleman's reasoning, to which I am incom- 
petent to speak, I would merely remark that it is not likely to 
find favour in Texas, where it should be observed there are many 
people sedulously waiting the first turn of popular sentiment with 
the hope of baffling the whole scheme of Annexation. 

In the Texian Government Newspaper of the 17th July, I 
observe that an Act was passed by the last Congress which I have 
herewith the honour to transmit for Your Lordship's informa- 
tion, and there certainly can hardly be a piece of more notice- 
able legislation extant in the language of any Country. The 
vast region Annexed to the County of San Patricio under this 
unobtrusive head of a Mail line across a Country in which the 
Americans in Texas had never had a settler, (directed to a point 
on the Eio Grande, in the long and steady occupation of Mex- 
ico) is at least 5 times as large as the whole Country in their 
actual occupancy, more extensive than the aggregate size of sev- 



530 Texas State Historical Association 

eral of the largest States in this Confederacy, or than the Co- 
joint Kingdoms of Spain and Portugal: 

It certainly seems to me to be safer for Mexico upon the 
whole, in the turn that affairs have taken, that the parties in 
Texas have set out upon these principles and this scale under the 
auspices of the United States, than that they should have fallen 
back in the beginning upon the more dangerous plan of quiet 
and gradual encroachment. Mexico has less to dread from their 
power to conquer these Countries, than to appropriate them by 
other principles; And with the attention of the Government of 
Mexico awakened to the unmistakable intentions of their neigh- 
bours, it is reasonable to hope that they will in due season adopt 
a surer mode of arresting the danger with which they are menaced 
than they unhappily pursued in Texas from the first moment that 
they permitted it to be settled by the Americans, till the last 
hours of it's existence as a separate Country. A sounder policy 
with respect to other very important and actively threatened 
parts of their domain is no doubt still within their power; but 
how soon the opportunity of working upon it successfully and 
for durable purposes may pass from them, has become to be a 
disquieting question in many points of view. It is manifest at 
all events that there is no time to be lost and that their Meas- 
ures must at once be broad and decisive. 

Congress in Texas, before it's separation, had passed an Act 
changing the period of Assembly of the next Congress to the 
Month of May 1846, and the President had issued his usual 
Proclamation under the Constitution of the Republic for the 
election of Members of that Body on the first Monday in Sep- 
tember next. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

[Enclosure]. An Act to establish certain Mail routes therein 
named, and for other purposes.^^ 

Sec. 1. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the Republic of Texas in Congress assembled, that a Mail route 
"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 



BntisTi Correspondence Concerning Texas 531 

shall be and is hereby established from Bexar in the County of 
Bexar to the town of Loredo on the East bank of the Eio Grande, 
and from Corpus Christi in the County of San Patricio to Point 
Isabel near the Mouth of the Eio Grande. 

Sec. 2. 

Be it further enacted that all that part of the Eepublie lying 
between the "ISTucas" and the "Eio Grande" rivers from the 
Gulf to the Northerly One [?] of the Eepublie not now em- 
braced within the defined limits of any County be and is hereby 
added to the County of San Patricio, and that this Act shall 
take effect from and after it's passage. 

Approved. 

June 24th. 1845 
[Endorsed] Inclosure in Captain Elliot's despatch to the 
Earl of Aberdeen. No 22. August. 12th. 1845. 

ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^^ 

No. 23. , New York. 

August 13th. 1845. 
My Lord,. 

I have herewith the honour to forward to Your Lordship two 
despatches which I have recently received from Her Majesty's 
Minister at Mexico,^* together with a Copy of my reply to that 
marked No 2. 

Mr Bankhead wrote under impressions which later intelligence 
will have changed, and when that does reach him, I feel assured 
he will readily admit that my continued presence in Texas be- 
yond the period I did remain there would have been unneces- 
sary and unsuitable. I did not leave the Country without care- 
ful consideration of the situation of circumstances, and I believe 
that my absence from the Country during the Session of Con- 
gress and the Convention has prevented the entire abrogation of 
the remaining Authority and influence of the Government of 
Texas. 

Inconsiderable as that influence is. Your Lordship will never- 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 

"For Bankhead's two letters to Elliot, June 29, 1845, see pp. 506-508. 



532 Texas State Historical Association 

theless desire that it should not have been extinguished, for it 
may be depended upon that it will be exercised beneficially, if 
any favourable opportunity or change of public sentiment should 
come about. I am as near the theatre of those events as I can 
be in the present state of affairs, without aggravating a mis- 
chievous spirit, and I am ready to return to it at any moment 
tliat my presence can be useful or prudent. 



Charles ElHot. 



The Eight Honourable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO BANKHEAD^'^ 

[Enclosure] New York. 

August. 8th. 1845 
Sir, 

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your de- 
spatches of the 29th June, and feel assured that the intelligence 
I communicated to you from New Orleans on the 3d Ulto. will 
have convinced you of the hopelessness, and I trust too of the 
unsuitableness and inconvenience of my protracted stay in Texas 
at that time. 

The result of the Elections for the Convention established the 
certainty of the adoption of the Annexation resolutions beyond 
a doubt, and with no instructions from Her Majesty's G-overn- 
ment as to the course to be pursued by me in that emergency, 
and no reasonable doubt that they desired the most perfect free- 
dom of action should be reserved to them if it did present itself, 
I hope you will agree with me in thinking that it was well I 
should be out of the Country before the Congress and Conven- 
tion had formally committed themselves to the policy of Annex- 
ation. 

In writing to Lord Aberdeen on the 12th Inst. I remarked 
that, "The Assembly of the Convention perfectly irregular and 
'Tjeyond the law of itself, assembled to take into consideration 
"the extinction of the Nationality of the Country and with it 
"the violation of their Compacts direct and implied vsdth the 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerriing Texas 533 

"Powers with which they have treaties appears to me to be a 
"state of things that had better not have the Countenance of 
"any foreign representative. I mean by Countenance such as- 
"sent as might be inferred from his presence." 

I could hardly have left the Country after the late proceed- 
ings of Congress and the Convention without some notice of 
them to the Government, (and recent instructions have satisfied 
me there was no wish I should allude to them). Upon the other 
hand I should have had extreme difficulty in remaining there in 
a merely observant attitude, accredited to the Constituted Au- 
thorities of a Country constrained to signify their assent to the 
extinction of it's National existence. 

The immediate turn of events in Texas, however permanent 
or otherwise that time may prove to be, was unfortunately too 
certain before I quitted Galveston (for the result of the Con- 
vention elections had been conclusive) and from that moment I 
felt that my continued presence was neither necessary nor de- 
sirable. — But beyond any reason of my own to that effect I am 
fortunately left without doubt as to the general impressions of 
Her Majesty's Government respecting my continued presence in 
Texas in the event of the success of the Annexation party there, 
for in a despatch from Lord Aberdeen dated on the 3d Ulto. 
written in the belief that such would be the case His Lordship 
had authorized me to act upon a sanction previously given to me 
to come on if I saw fit to any port of the United States where I 
should 1>e in the line of my Communications from Her Majesty's 
Government. Neither does His Lordship in that communication 
give me any instructions as to the course I should pursue, or 
the attitude I should observe in the Case which has since pre- 
sented itself, and I have no apprehension that I shall have acted 
in opposition to his wishes by retiring from the Country at the 
time and under the circumstances that I did. The state of 
my health, poor as it was, should certainly never have induced 
me to leave Texas then, if I had not felt that with the Presi- 
dent's proclamation of the 4th June every thing had been ac- 
complished that it consisted with my means, (under the spirit 
of my Instructions) to attempt, for the preventation of Annexa- 
tion, or the mitigation, or modification of it's evil consequences. 



534 Texas State Historical Association 

And in the further turn of affairs indicated by the Conven- 
tion elections I could not but see that my continued presence 
there was not merely useless, but destructive of all hope of the 
recovery of the people from that condition of delusion into which 
they had been wrought by the Agents and press of this Country, 
It was manifest that I could not have remained in Texas during 
the Session of Congress and Convention without assisting the 
purposes of the Enemies of a safe and honourable settlement of 
this dispute for my presence there would have been the pretext 
for every description of artful misrepresentation and false re- 
port. I am sure on the contrary that my departure from the 
Country after the plain evidence of the ulterior purposes of Her 
Majesty's Government which I induced the President to exhibit, 
has already been of service in strengthening a growing return 
to a sounder sense of the extent of the sacrifice the people were 
making than had hitherto prevailed amongst them. 

If Collision can be prevented between the forces of the United 
States and Mexico, (a circumstance, however, of which I am 
in great doubt, for I must admit my own impression that it is 
the deliberate purpose of the Government of the United States 
to induce hostilities and so carry all parties in this Country 
with them) it is by no means impossible that this whole scheme 
may still fail of realization. I did not leave Texas till all had 
been done that I could do there, and till it had become clear 
beyond all doubt that the really important point from which in- 
formation and action must now be looked for in Mexico con- 
cerning this affair was from the S. W. of the United States, 
and I did not leave New Orleans till I had received the Presi- 
dent's Message, and could furnish you some decisive tidings of 
what was to be done from that quarter. 

Our cordial public intercourse, and the kindness and consid- 
eration I have always received from you leave me in the full 
persuasion that you will willingly give your best and most 
friendly attention to this exposition, and admit that in the 
state of things known to me in the middle of June, and not 
knovm to you before the middle of next Month, I acted with a 
proper discretion in leaving Texas when I did. I transmit an 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 535 

extract^" from a despatch I have recently addressed to the Earl 
of Aberdeen. 

Charles Elliot. 
To Charles Bankhead, Esqr. 

Mexico. 
Copy. 

Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.]. Inclosure No 3 in Captn Elliot's despatch No 
23 to the Earl of Aberdeen. August 13. 1845. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" 

No. 24. New York. 

August 15th. 1845 
My Lord, 

By the Southern Mail of this Morning I have received a Note 
from the Government of Texas in reply to one which I addressed 
to Mr Allen on the 13 June. 

I have herewith the honour to transmit Copies of these Com- 
munications and to remain.^** 



Charles Elliot. 



To The Eight Honourable. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ALLEN^^ 

[Enclosure] Galveston 

June 13. 1845 

The Undersigned etc. etc. etc, has the honour to acquaint Mr 
Allen that the bad state of his health constrains him to avail 
himself of leave of absence to take the benefit of a temporary 
change of climate. 

He would not like to go away, however, in any uncertainty 

"On the margin of the letter, Elliot here wrote "Conclusion of my 
despatch No. 20 (July 28th, 1845) to Your Lordship." 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. 

"The first enclosure, Elliot to Allen, June 13, 1845, is calendared by 
Garrison as in "Senate Journal, 9th Tex. Cong., extra sess., 67, 68.," but 
is here reprinted as not generally available. The second enclosure, Allen 
to Elliot, July 10, 1845, is in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the 
Republic of Texas, III, 1201-1202, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 



536 Texas State Historical Association 

as to his return, without offering the President his sincere ac- 
knowledgments for the constant public consideration and private 
kindness he has received from His Excellency in his long inter- 
course with this Government, or without adding to those thanks 
his cordial wishes for the continued honour and prosperity of the 
Republic and people of Texas. 

He requests Mr Allen to convey these sentiments to His Ex- 
cellency and to accept for himself the assurances of regard and 
distinguished consideration with which He has the honour to 
remain. 

Charles Elliot. 

Copy. Charles. Elliot. To The Eight Honourable. Ebenezer 
Allen. Washington on the Brazos. 

[Endorsed.] Inclosure. No. 1 to Capt. Elliot's, despatch No 
34 to the Earl of Aberdeen. Aug. 15. 1845. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^" 

No. 25. New York. 

August 22d. 1845 
My Lord, 

It may be desirable in the present situation of affairs between 
Mexico and this Country to lay before Her Ma.jest/s Govern- 
ment some authentic means of forming an opinion upon the 
force of the claim of the persons in Texas to the Country they 
have legislatively appropriated, so far as that claim is founded 
upon population and actual occupancy. With that impression I 
have the honour to transmit herewith a paper headed "Return 
of the Election for President of the Republic held in the Several 
"Counties on the 2d day of September 1844"" 

Your Lordship is aware that the late Election was eagerly 
contested, and it is probable that the number of persons en- 
titled to Vote, who did not Vote upon that occasion was at least 
balanced by the number who did exercise that privilege without 
any warrant of law or permanent footing in the Country. The 
ordinary estimate of five for each head of a family (a large 
vote in the case of Texas) would give an aggregate white popu- 

'"F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 

"An unidentified newspaper cutting. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 537 

lation of less than 65,000 Souls. And taking the liberty to refer 
Your Lordship to Arrowsmith's Map, in connexion with the re- 
sults of the accompanj'ing Eetum, it will further appear that 
even of this small population at least 5/6° are settled East of, 
or on the Colorado, and more than one half East of, or on the 
Brasses. In fact a line struck due South from the S. W. point 
of the United States on the Red river, would pass far Westward 
of any Texian settlement. 

I have been led to draw this subject under Your Lordship's 
attention at present, from an impression, gathered some time 
since in quarters where mistake was not likely, that it was at 
one time the idea of the Government of the United States to 
limit their pretensions to the Country actually legislatively rep- 
resented in the Congress of Texas. And it may be that the late 
prodigious extension of the Country of San Patricio was made 
in Texas with the purpose to strain their claim upon the Gov- 
ernment of the United States within that pretence, before the 
arrival of the United States troops beyond the Sabine. 

In fact it must be admitted that so far as the Act of the 
Texian Congress is a warrant for the Military occupation of the 
Country at all b}'^ the United States, the Officer in Command 
of those troops, is as much bound to defend what is legislatively 
described to be the County of San Patricio as any other Con- 
gressional division of the Country. In this view it would of 
course be justifiable to drive in all the Mexican posts or set- 
tlements East of the Eio Grande from 42°. IST. to it's Mouth, 
which amounts however to sheer invasion of Mexico, and the 
territory acknowledged to be Mexican by the treaties in exist- 
ence between the United States and that Republic. 

Your Lordship will probably remark what proportion the ter- 
ritory in the actual occupation of the Texians bears to the size 
of the largest and most popular State in this Confederacy. Large 
as that Country is, and poor as yet of population, the remainder 
of the unoccupied region constituting Texas according to the 
3Iexican territorial division is considerably larger. So far there- 
fore as space is considered, relating to population and it's neces- 
sities, there can be no need for absorbing the immense region 
beyond the just mentioned Mexican division, completing the 
Texian legislative description of the Country; a region more 



538 Texas State Historical Association 

than twice as large as that in their actual possession, and con- 
taining a Mexican population very little short of their own 
numbers. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Right Honourable 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. I have joined to the accompanying return a letter which 
I have extracted from a recent United States Newspaper, and so 
far as I have had any means of judging I should consider it to 
be sufficiently correct. It connects itself naturally with the 
subject of this despatch as shewing not only the numbers and 
situations of the population in the territory claimed to be Texas, 
but the Citizenship of the parties by whom this dismemberment 
of Mexico is proposed. With the exception of two they are all 
born Citizens of the United States, who for the most part have 
come into the Country, with the bulk of the population, since 
the declaration of Independence.^^ 

They at least could have no better practical reason to com- 
plain of Mexican oppression, than they have right, or shadow of 
pretext for giving away to the United States large portions of 
that Eepublic, in which there never yet has been a Texian Set- 
tlement. I have thought it may be convenient at present to col- 
lect any details which may serve to establish the true character 
of any title to those regions, dependent upon Texian assignment. 

Charles Elliot. 

A copy of this despatch has been forwarded to H. M. Minister 
in Mexico. 

"The enclosure was an unidentified newspaper cutting, giving a list of 
delegates elected to the Texan Convention, with statistics of birth, nation- 
ality, etc. It is here printed as not generally available. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 



539 



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542 Texas State Historical Association 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^* 

No. 22. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston 
August 23d. 1845. 
My Lord, 

Since the date of my despatch No 18, of the 24th Ultimo, 
troops of the United States have been moved to the Western 
frontier of this Country. Dragoons, to the amount of about four 
hundred and fifty, entered by land and proceeded towards San 
Antonio; infantry, estimated at about fourteen hundred, were 
transported by water from New Orleans to Aransas Bay, and 
thence to Corpus Christi and its neighbourhood. I am informed, 
on apparently good authority, that this force is to be speedily 
increased to an aggregate of between four and five thousand men. 
Farther reinforcements, had been shipped at New Orleans, about 
the 15th Instant, and the whole amount of United States troops 
now on the Western, or South Western, frontier is stated to be 
some twenty two, or twenty three hundred men, 

I have made particular inquiry on the point, and have been 
assured that General Taylor, the Officer in Command of the 
United States troops in Texas, has assumed a position at Corpus 
Christi, West of the river Nueces, and according to accounts pub- 
lished in the "Galveston Civilian" of this day, was '^Dusily en- 
gaged in fortifying it." — The occupation of this position seemed 
to indicate a determination on the part of the United States to 
follow up the pretensions of Texas to the boundary of the Eio 
Grande — extending, as mentioned in my despatch No 18, be- 
yond the limits of Texas proper, into the Departments of Coa- 
huila, Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, and New Mexico. 

A Military officer bearing despatches for General Taylor, ar- 
rived in Galveston, from New Orleans, on the 20th Instant, and 
left the next day in a revenue Cutter for Corpus Christi. — Ap- 
prehension of approaching hostilities between the United States 
and Mexico has been excited by the Military Movements directed 
by the latter, — and reports (the value of which I am unable to 
determine) are current that Mexican troops have crossed to the 
North Eastern bank of the T?io Grande in considerable strength. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 14. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 543 

By the latest accounts from Austin, it was anticipated that 
the Convention would close its labours on the State Constitution 
and rise about the 20th. Instant. — I have sometimes thought 
that it would have been well had I been enabled to obtain infor- 
mation of the proceedings of the Convention from a direct and 
authorized source. Some arrangement of this kind might also, 
perhaps, be desirable in the event of hostilities on the South 
Western frontier. Major Donaldson, Charge d' Affaires from 
the United States to Texas, sailed in the U. S. Cutter "Wood- 
bury," from Galveston for New Orleans, on the 10th. Instant. 

H. M. S. "Persian," which left Galveston Eoads for Vera 
Cruz, on the evening of the 16th. ultimo, arrived at her port 
of destination on the 24th. of the same Month, and I have 
learned, from Her Majesty's Consul at Vera Cruz, that the De- 
spatches transmitted by the "Persian" have been forwarded to 
the City of Mexico the day of her arrival. — As the winds were 
unfavourable, the quick passage made by the "Persian" appears 
to be worthy of remark. 

Since the communication which I had the honor to address 
to Your Lordship on the 24th ultimo, I have received no official 
intelligence from Mexico. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 26. New York. 

Augt 31. 1845 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to transmit herewith a statement of the 
United Slates Naval force in various parts of the World, ex- 
tracted from the Government paper of the 26th Instant.^ Intel- 
ligence from Texas to the 30th Ultimo reports the temporary 
Cantonment of an American force of 11 or 1200 Men on St 
Joseph's Island (which faces the Coast between the Mouths of 
the Aransas Stream and the "Nueces,") and from the various 
accounts I have seen in the prints of this Country I should judge 
that reinforcements to the extent of about 2,500 Men are now on 

^F. O. Texas, Vol. 13. 

-Cutting from The Washington Union, August 26, 1845. 



544 Texas State Historical Association 

their way to the same destination, but the whole strength could 
hardly be completely assembled in Western Texas before the 10th 
of next Month, at the earliest. 

I presume that St Joseph's Island has been selected for the 
disembarkation of the troops in preference to Corpus Christi be- 
cause the entrance at that Pass has the advantage of rather 
more water, than that at Corpus Christi, (about a degree further 
to the Westward) and probably also because the Coast at that 
point is rather nearer to San Antonio de Bexar, where I conclude 
it is intended to canton the troops and form the main depots, 
upon the ground of it's situation with respect to the main routes 
into the Country, and superior comparative healthiness. It should 
be said that there will be considerable inconvenience and diffi- 
culty in transporting the troops and Materiel rapidly from San 
Josephs to the Coast in consequence of the Shallowness of the 
Bay and the want of a sufficient number of light boats : And 
if the rains set in as early as September as they have done of 
late years, tlfe March through the lower Country will be ex- 
tremely slow and trying 

If the Mexicans are advancing rapidly in force, and are a(c- 
companied by strong levies of effective and well mounted ranch- 
eros, thoroughly acquainted with the Countiy, and commanded 
by active partizan Chiefs, of whom there is no want in Mexico, 
the American force may find it more difficult to establish them- 
selves firmly on their intended basis than appears to have been 
contemplated. In fact the inconsiderable amount of the force 
originally sent on, and the hurried and piecemeal manner in 
which reinforcements are now following strengthen me in the 
impression that the first movement in Texas was dictated chiefly 
by a desire to commit the Legislatures and people of the two 
Countries beyond any change of retraction, and not by appre- 
hension of early irruption into Texas by Mexico. 

Upon any other reasoning the manifest course, more particu- 
larly at this season of the year, would have been to assemble 
the expeditionary force at some convenient station in the Upper 
Mississipi, where it would have been beyond the range of yel- 
low fever, and from which it could have been conveyed by Steam 
in a few days in complete strength and an effective condition 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 545 

to the most eligible place of disembarkation, nearest to the points 
which it was to act upon, or to cover. If there had not been 
any movement into the Country by the American Government 
till the Congress of the United States had met, I think there 
can be no doubt that Mexico would have been contented to wait 
for the final action of this Legislature, but other motives have 
been operative in this quarter and I am afraid that it rftay now 
be very difficult to avert a collision. 

Amongst the impulses disposing the present Government of 
the United States to provoke hostilities with Mexico (and if hos- 
tilities do ensue it must be plain to the World that they have 
been incited by this Government both primarily and immedi- 
ately,) would be the desire of a pretext for taking sudden pos- 
session of San Francisco Bay; and it is sincerely to be hoped 
that the Government of Mexico may lose no time in shaping 
their policy with respect to that part of their territory on large 
and sound principles. 

But whatever the secret intentions, or political necessities or 
liabilities of this Government may be, as to the temper of Con- 
gress and the Country on more mature reflection, and better in- 
formation than have hitherto obtained, it is certain at all events 
that the American force in advance has been exposed, in a Mili- 
tarj point of view, to serious and perfectly avoidable risks: 

And if the Mexican Warfare and policy are vigorously and 
judiciously managed, they have fairer means of disturbing the 
early aggressive proceedings of this Government than it was rea- 
sonable to suppose would have been given to them. 

The outset of these operations has been defective, either as to 
the need for such haste with a handful of men, or the period at 
which they have been commenced, or the confused and desultory 
manner in which the force has been prepared and directed to 
the theatre on which it is to act, or finally as to the point of 
disembarkation. 

Mexico in my judgment is in a better situation than could 
have been looked for, to fall at once and at advantage, upon 
schemes of warfare best suited to her strength and necessities, 
and to drop simultaneous suggestions of possible accommodation 
upon principles that will diminish the risk of vigorously pro- 



546 Texas State Historical Association 

tracted hostilities with the sanction of the Legislature of this 
Country; and without that sanction the Executive of the United 
State have neither the power nor the means to do much mischief 
to any other Country, or their own. Your Lordship will ob- 
serve by the papers of this Country that the Governor of Louisi- 
ana has been called upon by the General Officer in Command of 
the S. W. division of the Army to reinforce the regular troops in 
Texas with drafts from the Militia of New Orleans. 

They are unfitted for the circumstances and warfare which 
they would have to contend with in Texas, and will be a burden 
and an expense rather than of use in this struggle. The Militia 
best suited to such Service would be the hardy Yeomanry of the 
Western free States, not the unpractised youth of the Southern 
Cities, and I feel I hazard nothing in the prediction that if they 
are detached in force at this Season to the Coast of Texas, they 
will perish in great numbers, and with great rapidity. Neither 
can it fail to strike the most careless observer that with the reg- 
ular force in advance, there is need for keeping the Militia at 
home, and prepared for Service, to guard against the contingency 
of negro movement, perfectly probable in the pursuit of a war 
with Mexico, undertaken mainly for the purpose of prolonging 
and extending the System of Slavery; a fact, of which it would 
be irrational to suppose that the Slave population of the United 
States is not quite aware. 

Before I close this despatch I may add that it appears from 
the casual accounts I have seen in the papers, that a considerable 
portion of the force sent to Texas is Artillery with an unusually 
large number of Guns for so small an expedition.- — So far as T 
have been able to judge of the weather and Country in Texas 
that arm would not be very effective in the warfare there except 
for a few Months in the year, owing to the dry state of the 
prairies and rush bottoms in the Autumn and Winter months; 
and if ihe war should be carried beyond the Rio Grande the in- 
convenience would be increased, by reason of the Mountainous 
nature of the Country, and the impossibility of using any other 
means of transport than Mules. 

During the period of more than three years since my arrival 
in Texas, there have not been more than 10 Months in all, pend- 



British Correspondence Concerning' Texas 5-47 

ing which Military operations could have been carried on in this 
Country, owing to deluges at one time, or drought and a want 
of fodder at another, and the utter impractability of keeping a 
force in the field during the great stress of the heat. 

With the view to afford the Commander in Chief all the means 
in my power of forming a judgment on the state of circumstances 
in Texas, I have taken the liberty of forwarding this despatch 
to him for his perusal, 

Charles Elliot 
To The Right Honourable, 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. N"ew York 

August 31st 1845 
My Lord, 

Since I closed my despatch No 26 of this date (forwarded 
through the Admiral) I have heard a report which I think it 
proper to mention to Your Lordship. 

It comes to me from a Merchant of great respectability here, 
and directly to him from a person closely connected with Mexico, 
and he thinks, likely to be accurately informed 

My informant states his belief that letters of Marque have 
been for some time actually in Eio Janeiro, Havana, and other 
ports in various parts of the World, ready to be issued by the 
Mexican Consuls, as soon as they shall know of the commence- 
ment of hostilities between the United States and Mexico. I 
have no means of Judging of the truth of this statement, but 
Your Lordship will no doubt know what degree of credit should 
be attached to it. The Gentleman who mentioned the report to 
me thinks that an early rupture is inevitable, founding his opin- 
ion chiefly on the diflficulty of restraining the American force in 
Western Texas. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honourable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

'F. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 



548 Texas State Historical Association 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* 

No. 23. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston, 
September 6th. 1845 
M_y Lord, 

I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that the Conven- 
tion assembled at Austin closed its deliberations and adjourned 
on Thursday the 28th Ultimo. 

Enclosed herewith, are — a printed Copy of "the Constitution 
of the State of Texas,"^ adopted in the Convention, and a Copy 
of a Proclamation by President Jones — invoking the decision of 
the people of Texas, in reference to that Constitution, and "the 
expression of their opinions for and against Annexation," — ^to- 
gether with their adoption, or rejection, of an Ordinance passed 
by the Convention, having relation to Colonization Contracts. 

It is to be observed that the final Vote respecting the State 
Constitution and the question of Annexation is to be declared 
"vica voce." — In the elections of the Eepublic the Votes, hitherto, 
have been taken by ballot. The opponents of Annexation in Gal- 
veston appear to consider that (the open) Mode of arriving at 
the sentiments of the people, as unfavourable to the uncontrolled 
developement of opinion. 

Appended to the printed copy of the "Constitution of the State 
of Texas," is an ordinance adverse to the existing Contracts for 
Colonization, and calculated, if not to invalidate them directly, 
so far to impede their operation as to render them useless to 
their holders — The interests to be affected by this Ordinance are, 
all but exclusively European. — The German Association, lately 
represented by the Prince of Solms, forwarded emigrants to Texas 
on the faith of one of these Contracts. 

Wlien General Murphy arrived at Galveston, as Charge d' 
Affaires of the United States in June 1843 ; he instituted in- 
quiries respecting the Colonization Contracts, and took occasion 
to denounce the introduction into Texas of Settlers from 
Europe. — He remarked that — "the inhabitants of Texas wanted 

*F. O. Texas, Vol. 14. 
The Constitution of 1845. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 549 

emigrants like themselves, and no others — Men speaking their 
own language, and subject to their own customs and laws" 

Mr Terrell — lately representing this Country in England — re- 
turned to Texas, in the Brig "Hope Howes,'" from New Orleans, 
on Tuesday the 2d Instant. — He appears desirous to correct mis- 
representations that have been current of the course pursued by 
Great Britain in reference to Texan affairs, but Annexation be- 
ing considered virtually settled, it is not likely that he will be 
afforded a suitable opportunity for explanation. — The number of 
those who would testify to that which is right, at the risk of 
detriment to their worldly hopes, or expectations, is not greater 
here than elsewhere, and the will of the people being Sovereign, 
the majority by which it is pronounced is by no means indulgent 
to openly-avowed dissent, or tolerant of active opposition. — Un- 
ceasing endeavours — which circumstances have aided, have been 
made to render the name of England a bugbear in this quarter, 
and the fruit of these endeavours will doubtless remain after the 
object which inspired them is accomplished. 

For my own part, I am unable to perceive the advantages to 
be derived, by the present inhabitants of Texas, from the accom- 
plishment of Annexation, as contrasted with the attainment of 
peace and independence. — Popular impulse, — (however generated) 
for the time bears down every suggestion of prudence and public 
spirit, but the day is not remote when the feverish Joy of the 
National "''espousals" must yield to cold considerations of a State 
debt, without internal resources for its liquidation — of the liti- 
gation of Land Titles before an unfamiliar, and, practically for- 
eign tribunal — and of a State revenue to be drawn from a source 
inadequate and unwilling — ^which has never yet supplied one 
third of the amount that will inevitably be required for the effi- 
cient working of the new Administrative machinery. 

Since my despatch No 22 of the 23d Ultimo, small bodies of 
regular troops, and volunteers, with arms and stores, have been 
transported from the United States to Western Texas. Up to 
the date of the present communication, no intelligence on which 
reliance can be placed has, to my knowledge, been received at 
Galveston from Mexico. The last accounts from Corpus Christi 
represent Mexican traders as still resorting thither. 



550 Texas State Historical Association 

In my despatch No 10, of the 25th of April last, I mentioned 
that the ''Texas National Register" (official Journal) had de- 
fended Mr Aslibel Smith against the charge of being unfriendly 
to Annexation. The "Galveston Civilian" of this day, contains 
a reply to the same charge from Mr Smith himself, of which I 
take leave to enclose a copy. — It's author is still in the United 
States. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN® 

No. 27. New York. 

My Lord, September 13th 1845 

I have thought it may be convenient to forward for Your Lord- 
ship's perusal, the protest of Mr L. D. Evans, a Delegate in Con- 
vention from Fannin County (extracted from the Texian Na- 
tional Register of the 14th August) against the passage of the 
resolutions inviting the troops of the United States into Texas. 

Without dwelling upon any particular measure of a Body, un- 
constitutionally assembled to sacrifice the separate existence, and 
revolutionize the institutions of the country, Mr Evan's protest 
has certainly strengthened me in the belief that the movement 
of the United States troops beyond the Sabine was made mainly 
to commit the Legislatures and people of the two Countries be- 
yond all possibility of retractation. But beyond that motive, I 
cannot but think, that the advance of the American force within 
the territory which the Government of Texas in the preliminary 
conditions sent on to Mexico palpably admitted to be subject to 
Negotiation and compromise, affords conclusive proof that the 
Government of the United States desired to provoke hostilities 
by Mexico; probably with the view to the sudden seizure of cer- 
tain positions on the Coast of California. I avail myself on this 
occasion to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordships despatches 
to No 12 inclusive, and a Circular despatch of the 30th June. 
To The Right Honourable Charles EUiot 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

•F. O. Texas. Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 551 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN'^ 

Private. New York. 

My Lord, September 14th 1845 

I have the honour to forward for Your Lordship's perusal a 
series of letters signed J. H. E. dated at Corpus Christi on the 
8th, 13th, and 37th August which I have extracted from the New 
York Tribune of the 12th and 13th Inst 

They appear to me to contain a good account of the Country 
in which the American force is now posted, and I think are other- 
wise very worthy of Your Lordship's notice. From a paragraph 
towards the close of the Communication No 1 — I collect that it 
is not intended at present to maintain the positions West of the 
"Nueces," but I should add that my own private letters from 
Texas, and the tone of the Government press in this Country 
would lead to difEerent inferences. I have also extracted the 3d 
Edition of the same paper of this day's date, containing the latest 
information which I have seen from the Expeditionary force. 
This letter is sent to the Admiral for his perusal 
To the Eight Honourable. Charles Elliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

P. S. New York. Sepr. 15. 

By an American Brig arrived yesterday from Tobasco (sailed 
on the 20th Ulto) reports have reached this place of a revolu- 
tionar};- Movement in that quarter against the Mexican Authorities 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

Consular Foreign Office 

No. 3. September 17th 1845 

Sir, 

I have read with painful attention the explanations contained 
in your Despatch, Consular No 1 of 1st of July last, which, in 
compliance with the Instructions conveyed to you in my Despatch 
Consular No 1 of the 3d of June, you have given me on the 
subject of the Charges which you preferred against Her Majesty's 
Consul at Galveston. 

As you have in part expressed concern at having made those 

^F. 0. Texas. Vol. 13. 
»F. O. Texas. Vol. 21. 



552 Texas State Historical Association 

Charges, and have in part ^\dthdrawn from the prosecution of 
them, 1 am unwilling to dwell further upon the subject of them, 
than to express my regret that you should have allowed yourself 
to have been led away by a momentary feeling of irritation into 
the serious error of bringing accusations against one of Her 
Majesty's Subjects, which were calculated so greatly to injure 
him in the estimation of Her Majesty's Government. 

At the same time, however, I make allowances for the hasti- 
ness of the act, considering your infirm state of health, at the 
time at which it was committed, and I willingly acknowledge the 
candour with which you have admitted your error. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot. 

Texas. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ 

No. 13.1'' Foreign Office. 

September 18th. 1845. 
Sir, 

I perceive by your Despatch No 23, of the 13th of August, en- 
closing your Correspondence with Her Majesty's Minister in 
Mexico on the subject of your departure from Texas, prior to the 
passing of the Act of Annexation to the United States, that you 
have somewhat misapprehended the drift of my Despatch No 10, 
of the 3d of July, with reference to your contingent continua- 
tion, or departure from Texas, while the question of annexation 
was still pending in that Country. 

In the uncertain prospects under which that Despatch was 
written, it was impossible for me to give you fixed and definite 
instructions for the guidance of your conduct under every cir- 
cimstance which might arise. Much was therefore necessarily 
left to your discretion. But you will find it pretty clearly in- 
timated in the concluding part of that Despatch that Her 
Majesty's Government rather contemplated your remaining at 
your post until the Act of Annexation should have been passed. 
As, however, the preceding correspondence between yourself and 
this Office has left Her Majesty's Government in uncertainty as 

•F. 0. Texas, Vol. 21. 

"F. O. Texas. 21. Aberdeen to Elliot, Nos. 11, July 18, and 12, August 4, 
1845, have been omitted. Both acknowledged receipt of despatches. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 553 

to whether, on the arrival of my Despatch of the 3rd of July, 
you might not have already quitted Texas, the alternative of your 
remaining in Texas, or in some part of the United States, until 
you should have received further instructions from home, was 
mentioned. 

Her Majesty's Government would on the whole have preferred 
that you had remained at your post until the Annexation had 
been formally decided by the Grovernment of Texas; but they 
are not disposed to blame you for not having done so, and are 
willing to admit that the reasoning by which you support- the 
expediency of your departure is not without force, although they 
are inclined to take a different view of the matter, and are of 
opinion that your waiting passively the vote of Annexation, 
would in no way have compromised either Your Government or 
Yourself. 

You will still continue to reside in some port of the United 
States until Her Majesty's Government shall have been able to 
see more clearly what turn Affairs may have taken, or may be 
likely to take, in Texas, and to instruct you accordingly. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot. B. N. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" 

No. 28. New York. 

September 29th. 1845 
My Lord, 

Intelligence from Galveston to the 6th Instant reports the dis- 
solution of the Assembly at Austin on the 28th Ulto. 

The popular vote on the Constitution was to be taken viva 
voce, and should it appear by the returns to have been adopted, 
the President was to issue his proclamation on or before the 2d 
November next, for the election of the officers and representa- 
tives of the State Government, who however were not to enter 
upon their functions until after intelligence had been received 
of the acceptance of the Constitution by the Congress of the 
United States.. I learn from private sources of information 
worthy of credit, that efforts were made to establish an ad in- 
terim Government at once, but other influences prevailed. The 

"F. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 



554 Texas State Historical Association 

Constitution and authorities of the Republic will therefore con- 
tinue in force till the Measure of Annexation is completed in 
this Country; Neither can I dismiss the impression that the Gov- 
ernment of Mexico has it in it's power by very prompt and judi- 
cious proceedings, if not to defeat this plot, at all events to give 
it a shape and result that will materially mitigate it's mischiev- 
ous consequences 

My own papers from Texas have not yet reached me, but I 
have extracted from a Journal of this Country an ordinance 
submitted to the people with the Constitution of the State. I 
believe that it is mainly directed against a particular Coloniza- 
tion Contract between General Houston and certain Citizens of 
this Country, made in the early part of the year 1843, and al- 
leged by his enemies to have been irregularly if not illegally 
completed. But the Measure may have a more general bearing, 
and affect interests which Her Majesty's Government would con- 
sider it right to protect. I have therefore submitted it for Your 
Lordship's notice. 

The latest dates I have seen from Corpus Christi are of the 
16th Instant. The American forces there consisted at that time 
of about 2,200 Men of all arms, but reinforcements to the extent 
of about 1500 more were looked for in the course of a few weeks. 
When the whole is assembled, I remark that at least a third of 
it will consist of Artillery, 

It did not appear that General Taylor expected to be attacked, 
and nothing certain was known of the positions or extent of force 
of the Mexicans. 



Charles Elliot. 



To The Right Honourable. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^2 

No. 29. New York. 

Sep. 30. 1845. 
My Lord, 

The accompanying Newspaper^^ containing a Schedule direct- 
ing that the Constitution of the proposed State of Texas, as 

"F. O. Texas. Vol. 13. 

^The Civilian and Galveston Gazette, September 6, 1845. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 555 

by the Body lately assembled at Austin, should be sub- 
mitted to the people, has this morning reached me in time for 
the Mail of tomorrow from Boston. 

It further contains a Copy of the President's proclamation, 
from the terms of which it will appear that he has also sub- 
mitted the question of Annexation or Not to the popular vote; 
and it occurs to me that there is some ambiguity of expression 
as to whether that last question is to be taken viva voce, or other- 
wise. 

Charles Elliot 
To the Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" 

No. 30. New York. 

October 6th. 1845 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lord- 
ship's despatch No 13. 

I take the liberty to remind Your Lordship that I did re- 
main in Texas till the 15th of June last, that is till the day 
before the Meeting of Congress when there could be no reason- 
able doubt that the Measure of Annexation would be formally 
adopted by that body and the Executive within a very brief 
period. The Measure was immediately adopted, and I believe 
that the ill success of the efforts to set aside the Government at 
once is chiefly to be attributed to my departure before they could 
be made. 

My own view and intention has always been to return to New 
Orleans in the event of any change of temper or affairs in Texas 
indicating the advantage of my near neighborhood to that point, 
and I may perhaps be able to form some judgment in that re- 
spect when the result of the election for the 10th Congress are 
fully known. So far as they have yet been reported there is 
no ground for movement upon my part in that direction, but 
T should say at the same time that they do furnish some slight 
evidence of recovering strength in the Anti-Annexation party in 

"F. O. Texas, Vol. 13. 



556 Texas State Historical Association 

particular sections of the Country; that is, if I may judge from 
a few of the names of the Elected Candidates. 

Should any considerable portion of the new Congress in Texas 
be wisely and hourably disposed, and should there be the least 
pretext for retracing what has been done, in the course of the 
ensuing Congress in the United States, it is probable that the 
President of Texas will forthwith call a Session, and do what 
may be in his power to save the independence of the Country. 
Late though it be, I still lean to the opinion that it is in the 
power of Mexico to give a shape to these affairs which would 
effectually break up the present Scheme of Annexation in the 
United States, and defeat the other dangerous designs with which 
She is menaced from this quarter. If there should seem to be 
any necessity for my movement to New Orleans or Texas before 
I could receive Your Lordship's sanction, I should state my im- 
pressions to Mr. Pakenham, and guide myself by his opinions, 

Charles Eliot 
To the Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO .IBERDEEN^^ 

No. 28. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston 
October 16th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to enclose a printed C'opy^® of a Speech de- 
livered by Mr. Terrell, lately representing the Government of 
Texas in England, to a party of political and personal friends 
by whom he was entertained at Galveston, on the 2d of this 
Month Although (acting m conformity with a rule to which I 
have uniformly adhered since my residence at this Consulate) I 
was not present at the entertainment, — I am enabled to assure 
Your Lordship that the enclosed copy of Mr Terrell's Speech 
is deemed by that gentleman to be a faithful record of his senti- 
ments. The party assembled on the occasion was small in num- 
ber, but respectable; its paramount object was to afford Mr Ter- 

"F. O. Texas, 14. 

"Unidentified newspaper cutting. But see p. 557, Note 18. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 557 

rell an opportunity for explanation. Of this opportunity — when 
time, and place, and circumstance are duly considered — it will 
be admitted that he availed himself with a considerable boldness. 
There are but two passages in the Speech which seem to call 
for present remark: these I have marked: One, in page 2., 
adverting to the probable disposition of the Federal Union, in 
consequence of the extension of the territory of the United 
States; — the other, in page 3d., commenting upon the alleged 
design of Her Majesty's Government to effect the abolition of 
Negro Slavery in Texas. — With regard to the first of these pas- 
sages, the apprehensions it embodies are entirely speculative, and 
with quite as little prospect of being realized now as at any 
previous time : — with regard to the second passage, Mr Terrell 
errs in attributing the excitement respecting Slavery in Texas to 
Your Lordship's remarks in the House of Lords, — spoken, if I 
mistake not, in August 1843.— The excitement had its origin in 
the town of Houston, in March, 1843, and the leading facts in 
relation to it were submitted to Your Lordship in my Despatches 
of the Slave Trade Series for that year. It was immediately after 
the Movement of "Which Mr Andrews was the representative in 
England that the Southern States of the Union appeared to take 
alarm on the subject of Slavery in Texas, and that direct and 
strenuous endeavours were made by the American Executive to 
accomplish the Measure of Annexation as speedily as possible. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 31. New York. 

November 14th 1845 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to fon^ard to Your Lordship a Galveston 
Newspaper^^ of the 18th Ultimo containing the report of a Speech 
delivered by Mr Terrell at a public dinner recently given to him 
by some leading Citizens of that place. 

The respect which is so generally and justly felt for him in 
Texas will no doubt have gi'eat weight to his opinions on the 

"F. O. Texas, Vol. 13. 

"TAe Civilian and Galveston Gazette, October 18, 1845. 



558 Texas State Historical Association 

subject of Annexation in point of policy and interest. And he 
has joined to those views what should be matter for serious re- 
flection throughout the Country, in this honourable exposure of 
the misrepresentation and indirect proceedings by which the peo- 
ple were beguiled and precipitated into a shameful measure of 
National annihilation. 

Indeed it is beginning to be generally understood by the peo- 
ple of Texas, though probably too late, that the demand for the 
entrance of the troops of the United States, and the foregone 
compliance of this Government, were not attributable to any well 
founded apprehension of Mexican invasion, but chiefly to sur- 
render the Country forthwith into the Military possession of the 
Executive of the United States, for the purpose of overawing the 
friends of the independence of the Republic, and of silencing any 
inconvenient reconsideration of the subject in the Legislature of 
the United States. A state of actual war with Mexico would 
probably have that last effect; and a pretext for suddenly engag- 
ing the force in Texas in proceedings of still further aggression 
and invasion upon Mexico, rendering collision inevitable, could 
always be found at a short notice, in the event of any political 
pressure upon the administration here arising out of the renewed 
discussion of the principles and details of the present Scheme of 
Annexation, in the Congress of the United States. 

The latest accounts from Galveston are of the 1st Instant, and 
at that date the general result of the popular vote on Annexa- 
tion was not known, but it was sufficiently ascertained that there 
would be a large majority in favour of it. I remark, however, 
that the vote taken on the occasion at Galveston, did not amount 
to much more than half the whole vote of the County. The 
Annexation party polled what may be taken to be about their 
whole strength, 270, but the opponents of the measure refrained 
in a great degree from a viva voce vote which they probably felt 
in the present temper of the Country, would only unavailingly 
expose them to suspicion and ill-will. Their vote however reached 
121. In Harris County in which Houston is situated, similar 
feelings seem to have prevailed. Upon the whole judging from 
the information I have received, T think there may be some 
ground for the opinion that the Anti-Annexation party is rather 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 559 

"cecovering strength, and if Congress in the United States should 
not fulfill the expectations raised in the Correspondence of Major 
Donnelson with the Government of Texas, it is possible that the 
reaction there will be stronger and more general than is antici- 
pated in this quarter. 

There is a respectable party in Texas cordially in favour of 
maintaining the Independence of the Republic, and some of the 
most influential persons in the Country are probably only wait- 
ing for a favourable opportunity, and some turn of the popular 
tide, to head the movement. At my last dates, the United States 
force in Texas consisted of about 4,000 troops, and there had 
been no change in their position. 

The continuance of the illicit traflfic on that frontier, notwith- 
standing the presence of the force, strengthens me in an impres- 
sion I have for some time entertained that it would be a wise 
and safe policy for Mexico at the present conjuncture, to declare 
the Brassos San Jago a free port for the vessels of all friendly 
N'ations, admitting goods there on an ad valorem duty, not ex- 
ceeding 5 per Cent. If that Measure were accomplished by a 
rigid enforcement of the prohibitions against the entrance of 
goods by the land frontier, I think the land traffic would soon 
be beat down by the safety and superior cheapness of the other 
channel. Ko better mode of checking some of the very dan- 
gerous purposes of this Government against Mexico has pre- 
sented itself to my mind, and I am sure that it consists with 
the security of Mexico to fall forthwith upon sound means of 
diminishing the Commercial intercourse with the Americans by 
the land frontier. The present purpose of this Government is 
to make Texas the emporium of a great smuggling trade into 
the Northern Provinces of Mexico, but I believe it is more in 
the power of Mexico, by judicious courses, to make Matamoros 
an emporium for an extensive trade with the United States. 

If goods can be purchased much cheaper at Matamoros than 
at New Orleans (or Galveston, as part of the United States) 
the people in Texas will purchase them there, and they will find 
their way by that channel through the whole South West of the 
United States. The Mexicans have but to beat the Americans 
in a liberal Commercial policy, at their frontier ports, (no hard 



560 Texas State Historical Association 

task,) and the traflScking spirit of the Neighbouring people will 
effectually secure to them the fruits of their victory. 

I take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lord- 
ship's despatches No. 14 and 15. 

Charles Elliot 
To the Right Honourable 

The Earl of Aberdeen K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^® 

■Secret. New York. 

November 26th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

Since I last had the honour of addressing Your Lordship I 
have received some information from a quarter where mistakes 
are not likely, which Her Majesty's Government may desire to 
know. 

The substance of it is that the Executive of the United States 
is fully committed to the expectations raised by Major Donnel- 
son's correspondence with the Government of Texas, especially 
as to provision for their debt in some satisfactory form, or the 
security to Texas of the whole of their legislative territorial pre- 
tensions. It seems that Major Donnelson found it necessary to 
address a letter to this effect to two leading Members of the late 
Convention at Austin (whose names are known to me) to secure 
their support. And I think Your Lordship may depend that Mr 
Polk has subsequently authorized the Agents of Texas at Wash- 
ington to communicate to their Government his unreserved adop- 
tion of Major Donnelson's pledges, and his determination to use 
all the influence of the Administration to give them full effect. 

According to my information it is probable that the President 
will confine himself in his opening Message to a recommendation 
of the immediate acceptance of the State Constitution, leaving 
all the other details, (for fear of embarrassment) to be the sub- 
ject of a separate Communication, as soon as the main part is 
carried. I am further informed that one idea of the Govern- 
ment of the United States was to propose to Mexico that the 
Northern and Western limits of the new State should remain as 
they are legislatively claimed by the Republic of Texas till the 

"F. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 561 

descending line of the Eio Grande reaches the Presidio del Eio 
Grande (a point noted on Arrowsmith's Map,) and thence, that 
the lower river and all the Country South and East of the Pre- 
sidio, as far as the "Nueces" shall be restored to Mexico, the 
harbour, however of Brassos Santiago, to be ceded to the United 
States, and the navigation of the river to be common. A fur- 
ther scheme appears to be that the whole Country between the 
Rio Grande and the Pacific, North of the parallel 36°. 30". 
should be purchased of Mexico, and it is the impression of the 
party by whom I was informed, that no arrangement would be 
satisfactory to this Government, and a large party in the Legis- 
lation of the United States that did not involve the acquisition 
of San Francisco Bay. 

Whether this information is entirely accurate, or to what ex- 
tent it is, I cannot undertake to say; but it reaches me from 
such a source that I have considered it right to communicate it 
to Your Lordship, as well as privately to Her Majesty's Minis- 
ters at Washington and Mexico. It is to be hoped that the Gov- 
ernment of Mexico, (taking warning by the past, and heedful of 
the palpable purposes of this Government, and of the people of 
the growing parts of this Country) will, before it is too late, 
shape their future policy by a steady regard to the strength and 
security of the Country in their actual possession, or which they 
can effectually defend. And if the Government of Mexico will 
conduct their negotiations with the United States upon these 
principles, skilfully and temperately, availing themselves of the 
Sectional jealousies in this quarter, and avoiding any agreement 
upon the Texas question unless the menaced difficulties in Cali- 
fornia can be simultaneously and satisfactorily adjusted, I be- 
lieve that they may lay the foundations of a, better balance of 
political power on this Continent, involving more of security to 
themselves and all the kindred races, South of them, than there 
appears to be otherwise much reason to hope for. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



562 Texas State Historical Association 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^* 

No. 16." Foreign Office. 

December 3. 1845. 
Sir, 

Your Despatch No. 30 of the 6th of October last, has been 
received and laid before the Queen. 

Until the final Annexation of Texas to the United States shall 
have taken place, Her Majesty's Government consider it indis- 
pensable that you should be at your post at the Seat of Govern- 
ment in Texas, in order to maintain the Communications be- 
tween tlie two Governments, and to keep Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment regularly and authentically informed of all that takes place 
in Texas. 

I have therefore to desire that you will forthwith repair to 
3^our post, and that you will remain there until you receive orders 
from Her Majesty's Government to leave it. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot, E. N. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN" 

No 34. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston 
December 8th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

In my Despatch No 7., of the 2d of April last, mention was 
made of certain Military operations contemplated by Doctor 
Branch T. Archer, formerly Secty of War in Texas, and others. 
Since that period, Doctor Archer, and the partner of his coun- 
sels, General Thos. J. Green,-^ who formed one of the Texian 

'»F. O. Texas, Vol. 21. 

^'F. O. Texas, 21, Aberdeen to Elliot, Nos. 14, October 3 and 15, October 
18, 1845, have been omitted. Both acknowledged receipt of despatches. Ab- 
erdeen to Elliot, No. 17, December 3, 1845, notifying Texas that Great 
Britain will still hold her to her treaty obligations, is in Garrison, Dip- 
lomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1203, in Am. Hist. 
Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 

^F. O. Texas, Vol. 14. 

''•Thomas Jefferson Green, b. 1801, d. 1863. A native of North Carolina, 
he early in life removed to Texas, and was brigadier-general of volunteers 
in tho War of Texan Independence. In 1842, he led the disastrous Mier ex- 
pedition, was captured, and not released until September, 1844. He pub- 
lished "The Mier Expedition" (1845). (Appleton, Cyclop, of Am. Biog- 
raphy.) 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 563 

expedition beyond the Rio Griande, in 1842, has spent the greater 
part of their time in Washington, United States, where they ap- 
pear to have been favourably noticed by the President, and the 
leading Members of his Cabinet. 

Mr Terrell's Speech at Galveston, of which I had the honor 
to enclose a Copy to Your Lordship, in Despatch No 28, of Oc- 
tober 16th, has not been published in any Texan Newspaper 
save that in which it originally appeared. Nor, so far as my 
information extends, has it been transferred to the columns of 
any Journal in the United States. The only notice I have seen 
of it, East of the Sabine, is contained in a Whig Newspaper, 
the "New York Courier and Enquirer," which taunts the official 
Journal at Washington with its silence touching the grave 
charges advancel by Mr Terrell against the Government of the 
United States. 

Since my Despatch of the 16th, no event of importance has 
occurred here. In addition to the encampment at Corpus Christi, 
small bodies of United States troops have been stationed at Aus- 
tin, Goliad and San Antonio, all of which places are on the 
Western frontier. The establishment of the force at Corpus 
Christi was effected slowly, and at a great expense, and an active 
enemy might have found it no difficult matter to cut off the 
troops as fast as they landed. The want of good water, with 
other local causes, has produced much sickness in the Corpus 
Christi encampment. It appears to me that if war were to be 
conducted with the same absence of System and prodigality of 
outlay that have characterized this frontier occupation, a great 
European Power, having the command of the Gulf, could carry 
on a campaign in Texas more efficiently and less expensively than 
the United States — provided always, that the European Power 
would take the trouble to ascertain what really are the strong 
and the weak points of American organization. This, experience 
shows, the pride of an old Sovereignty will hardly permit it to do. 

Some artillery and small arms have been landed at Galveston, 
but the Island remains without regular troops, or defences. This 
would seem to be a singular oversight, if hostilities have been 
anticipated ; as Galveston is the Key of the Country, and presents 



56-i Texas State Historical Association 

peculiar advantages for the establishment of a large force, — cov- 
ered and supplied by a fleet in the Gulf. 

Annexation having opened a new career to Texan politicians, 
each part}' pretending to popular favour and office has been en- 
deavouring to prove itself entitled to the credit of having car- 
ried the Measure The first movement in this direction is 
ascribed to General Houston, who, in a speech made at New Or- 
leans, on the 28th of May last, is represented to have said that 
he was the friend of Annexation, although he has "coquetted a 
little with Great Britain." 

General Houston returned from the United States to Texas 
in October, and, on the 12th ultimo, attended a Public Dinner 
given to him at Galveston. This Dinner I was invited to attend, 
but declined the invitation, for reasons of obvious propriety. 
Mr Ashbel Smith and the Mayor of Galveston severally called 
upon me, from General Houston, conveying from him expressions 
of regard, and of the pleasure he would feel in meeting me. My 
reply was that I had personally nO' grounds for ill will to Gen- 
eral Houston, but that a sense of what was done [due] to the 
Commission which I held, must deprive me of the pleasure of 
Meeting him, so long as the statement contained in the report 
of his New Orleans Speech — that he had "coquetted" with Great 
Britain, — remained imcontradicted. It being authoritatively de- 
nied that General Houston had made the remark, I suggested 
that the contradiction, to be of value, should be as public as the 
report. A public address subsequently delivered by General 
Houston, afforded a suitable opportunity for any explanation he 
might deem befitting, but the occasion passed without any refer- 
ence to the New Orleans Speech; — and there the Matter rests. 

The controversy as to who carried, or was most earnest in the 
endeavour to carry, the Measure of Annexation, has induced the 
publication of various official and non official documents of which 
I beg leave to enclose the more interesting: namely,^* 

"Newspaper cuttings without date or name. Numbers 1, 4, and 5 are cal- 
endared by Garrison as in the Telegraph and Texas Register, November 26, 
1845. No. 2 is in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the RepuUic of 
Texas, II, 123, in Am. Hist, Assoc. Report, 1908, II. No. 3 is in Secret 
Journals of the Senate, 294-290. Nos. 8 and 9 (as well as Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 
5), were later transmitted by Elliot also (F. O. Texas, 16, Elliot to Aber- 
deen, No. 7, January 20, 1846) and were stated to have appeared in the 
"National Register Newspaper of the 29th November last." . . . 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 565 

1st Letter of Instructions from the Secty of State of Texas 
to the Texan Charge d' Affaires to the United States, dated Jan- 
uary .20th 1842. 

2d. A similar letter, from the Secry of State of Texas, to 
the Texan Charge d' Affaires to the United States, dated Febru- 
ary 10th 1843 

3d Secret Message of President Houston to the Texan Con- 
gress, dated Jany. 20th 1844. 

4th. Letter of President Houston (Confidential) to the Texan 
Charge d' Affaires at Washington, U. S., dated January 29th and 
February 15th 1844 

5th Letter (Strictly confidential) from President Houston to 
General Murphy, U. S. Charge d' Affaires in Texas, dated Feb- 
ruary 3d. 1844. 

6th Ex. President Houston's letter to Certain Citizens of 
Washington (Texas) dated October 20th. 1845. 

7th Ex-President Lamar's letter to Citizens of Galveston, 
dated November 15th 1845 

I also enclose herewith a printed Copy of a Proclamation by 
President Jones, announcing the result of the appeal to the peo- 
ple in regard to the ratification, or rejection, of the State Con- 
stitution, and a printed copy of a Proclamation naming a day for 
holding the elections under that Constitution. 

There axe three candidates for the representation of Texas in 
the Senate of the United States— General Lamar, Houston and 
Eusk : it is supposed that Houston and Eusk will be elected. 

A considerable number of German emigrants have arrived this 
season. I propose to transmit a return of the whole number to 
the close of the present year. 

William Kennedy 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

^0 32 j^e^ York. 

,, ^ , December 14th. 1845 

My Lord, 

I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that the Con- 
stitution of the proposed State of Texas has been forwarded by 
T. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 



566 Texas State Historical Association 

the Government of that Country to the United States by a special 
Messenger. 

The expectation was generally entertained that there it would 
be adopted before this Christmas recess. Your Lordship will 
have better means of judging of the accuracy of that impression 
than I can furnish, and of all other considerations affecting the 
progress or final disposal of the Measure by the Legislature of 
the United States. 



Charles Elliot 



To The Right Honourable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

Private. New York, 

Deer. 14th 1845 
My Lord, 

I take the liberty to forward Your Lordship the copy of a 
private letter which I have recently received from Colonel George 
Hockley of Texas. This Gentleman, who is a person of honour 
and character, was Secretary of War during considerable part of 
General Houston's second Administration, and like his friend 
Mr. Terrell, has always been the steady opponent of Annexation, 
speaking and voting against it in every phase and stage of the 
transaction. 

May I hope Your Lordship will suffer my Agent in the For- 
eign Office, Mr Conyngham, to forward me any information, 
which the Consul General in Guatemala may have furnished re- 
specting the Colonization project noticed by Colonel Hockley 

I shall of course be careful not to mention the source from 
which this information comes, or in any way to commit Her 
Majesty's Government. But I think Your Lordship will desire 
to do any thing which can be done properly in furtherance of 
the wishes of Gentlemen who have always steadfastly and hon- 
orably adhered to their pledges, direct and implied, to sustain 
the separate existence and independence of Texas. 

I have mentioned to Mr Conyngham that I have bad the 
honour to address Your Lordship privately on a subject to which 
I would ask his kind attention, if Your Lordship should see fit 

'F. O. Texas, Vol. 14. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texi 



567 



to place this letter in his hands and permit him to furnish the 
information sought. I should also add that I have thought it 
proper not to apply to any other source either in England or 
m Guatemala, in case Your Lordship should disapprove of any 
step being taken in the matter. 

In concluding these few lines I would wish to state my im- 
pression formed both upon personal observation, and reliable in- 
formation, that the party in Texas adverse to Annexation is re- 
spectable both in point of numbers and character, and there seems 
no wa.nt of reason to think that the time may come, (perhaps 
at no very remote period,) when it would be well that the lead- 
ers of that party should have some ground for believing that 
their right conduct and steadiness had not been lost upon the 
friends of the Independence of Texas. 

m^ mi -c 1 . ., -, _ Charles Elliot 

Jo The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

HOCKLEY TO ELLIOT^ 

[Enclosure] 

m , ^•^' , Galveston 

^'""•'''' ^"'°* Mth. Novr. 1845. 

Dear Sir, 

In conjunction with a few of ray friends I have it in con- 
templation to decline any participation in the honors and ad- 
vantages consequent upon the Annexation of Texas to the United 
States, and have turned over attention to a new Colonization, 
and are desirous of some information relative to the Eastern 
Coasts of Central America. I am informed that a Company of 
British Capitalists was formed, probably about the latter end of 
the year 1839 for the purpose of Colonizing at Guatamala, but 
cannot trace it's progress, or ascertain the fact of any having 
been made. 

I hope that you will excuse the trouble I give in making this 
hasty request (the boat is leaving, and I have but now obtained 
your address) that you will give me such information as may be 
of service relating to this matter, at as early a period as con- 
venient. I presume about 8 or 9 hundred families, or more 
can be enlisted in this enterprize, and some names given to you 
'F. 0. Texas, Vol. 14. 



r^^g Texas State Histoncal Association 

with which you have been familiar and acted with, whilst in 
Texas, in case we Bee a probability of success. Meanwhile we 
wish the matter to be kept profoundly secret, so far as it can be 
done. The Company alluded to was styled the Eastern Coast 
and "Central America Commercial and Agricultural Company." 
The Directors were P. H. Abbot Esqr. Capt P. H. Bingham, E. 
N, Charles Bourjet Esqr, John Darrow. Esqr, Wm Hood Esqr., 
Adam Murray, Eskr, John Spurgin Esqr, M. D., David Pollock, 
Esqr. I regret that the departure of the Steamer forces me to 
the abrupt conclusion with which I subscribe myself. 

Geo. Wm Hockley 
To Captain Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.] Capt Elliot's Priv. Deer 14. 1845 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* 

jq-Q 36 Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston, 
December 20th 1845. 

My Lord, 

In a letter written by General Andrew Jackson, and published 
some months before his death, he observed— (on behalf of the 
American people)— '"We want Texas because we want Cali- 
fornia."— The Ex-President might have added,— "And we want 
California because we desire to obtain Maritime ascendancy in 
the Pacific, with the advantages consequent on an easy and com- 
paratively speedy communication with India and China. 

An Extract (which I have the honor to enclose) from a De- 
spatch addressed by Mr. Forsyth,^ Secretary of State of the 
United States, to Mr. Butler, American Charge d' Affaires in 
Mexico, shows that, in the year 1835, Texas and California were 
associated as desirable acquisitions, in the policy of President 
Jackson's administration.® 

*F. O. Texas, Vol. 14. 

•'John Forsyth, b. 1780, d. 1841, a leading politician of Georgia, hold- 
ing various State offices, and serving in Congress in both House and Sen- 
ate, 1813-1819. In 1819 he went to Spain as Minister and negotiated 
the Florida treaty. He was again prominent in State and national poli- 
tics, 1823-1834, but in the latter year resigned from the Senate to be- 
come Jackson's secretary of state, and held the post under Van Buren 
also until March, 1841.' (Appleton, Cyclop, of Am. Biography.) 

•Forsyth to Butler, August 6, 1835, in which Butler was instructed to 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 569 

An Extract (also enclosed herewith) from a Speech delivered 
at St Louis, Missouri, on the 14th October 1844, by Colonel Thos. 
H. Benton, a Member of the Senate of the United States, shows 
that the idea of securing an ascendancy in the trade with India 
and China, by means of Settlements on the J^orth West Coast of 
America, is not new to the minds of American Statesmen. 

The United States have ceased to affect any disguise as to 
their determination to possess themselves of Upper California, 
and their ingenuity is actively employed in planning railway and 
other lines of communication across the Continent, in order that 
«a new route, almost exclusively American," may thereby be 
"opened to Asiatic Commerce." 

It may be inferred from the pertinacity displayed by Ameri- 
can Statesmen in regard to the acquisition of Texas, that they 
are not likely to abandon any project which may promise an in- 
crease of the elements of National power. Such a project may 
be masked— or it may be allowed to slumber for a time— but it 
will not be lost sight of— much less abandoned. 

Intoxicated by the acquisition of Texas (the Key-stone of the 
North American System)— an acquisition made with an ease 
that astonished even themselves, the United States have allowed 
free scope to the spirit of bold disclosure concerning schemes 
of prospective aggrandizement. Among their leading politicians, 
no one pretends to doubt that the Northern Confederacy is des- 
tined, and at no remote day, to be the ruling Power of the 
world— giving to other States the impress of Eepublican institu- 
tions 

But of their politicians,— even of the class, professing the 
most rigid principles of democracy, there are two divisions.— 
one of which is for immediate extension of territory, regardless 
of consequences— the other for what is termed a "masterly in- 
activity"— that is trusting to the helping influences of time. In 
risking a collision with old Sovereignties, the former hope for 
success through the sympathies of kindred opinion— in procrasti- 
nating cherished Measures, the latter calculate that a few years 
will bring within their reach, without cost and without danger, 

purchase, if possible, a portion of California to include San Francisco Eay, 
but not to seek to acquire Monterey. (In U. S. Docs., Ser. No. 311, Doc. 
42, p. 18.) 



570 Texas State Historical Association 

what they — more cautious, or more experieEced, or better in- 
formed than their fellows — feel and fear, if precipitately snatched 
at, would be productive of both. The stationary condition of 
Europe and the rapid progress of the Union are the stimulating 
topics with the first democratic Section; the concentrated energy 
of Monarchies, the Military strength of European Sovereignties, 
and the certainty of an early and vast addition to the already 
large resources of America, are the prudential pleas of the 
second. — ''We defeated Great Britain when our population was 
only three Millions, and we are now more than twenty" — say 
the advocates of instant action — "Be patient, and at peace, for 
one quarter of a Century" — reply the friends of delay — "and you 
will have a combination of agricultural, commercial and manu- 
facturing wealth with numerical force, capable of commanding 
the first place among the Nations. The short term of five and 
twenty years, with no addition to the ordinary ratio of increase, 
will exhibit the United States with fifty Millions of inhabitants. 
Of felicitous events — such as wars between the great European 
Powers — we shall do well to avail ourselves — ^but let us avoid a 
premature expenditure of our resources. By pursuing this pol- 
icy, Mexico, the West India islands, the trade of China and 
Hindostan, will, all in good time be our own" 

This, My I^ord, I believe to be a faithful though brief, tran- 
script of opinion now ascendant in the United States. I by no 
means assume that either the facts referred to, or the views in- 
dicated, will be in the least degree novel to Your Lordship. I 
take leave to submit them because my opportunities of observa- 
tion have been good — and because I entertain the conviction that 
these facts and these views can hardly be too frequent a subject 
of reflection to the Statesmen who at present administer the 
affairs of the British Empire. 

William Kennedy. 
The Eail of Aberdeen K. T. 

[Enclosure] . 

Extract from a Speech delivered at St Louis, Missouri, by 
Colonel Thos. H. Benton, Senator from Missouri to the United 
States Congress, on the 14th of October, 1844.'^ 

'F. 0. Texas, Vol. 14. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 571 

— "In the year 1818, a Treaty was made to admit 



the British to a Joint occupation of the Columbia river, and 
another to cede the South Western part of Louisiania to the 
King of Spain. A Southern President, and a Southern Cabinet — 
a Democratic administration and a Southern administration made 
those Treaties. The Senate ratified them unanimously. The 
iNTewspaper Press saluted them with universal applause. The 
whole Country applauded them. Solitary and alone I denounced 
them. From the banks of the Mississippi, and from the station 
of a private Citizen, I denounced those Treaties in which all 
others concurred. And now I have the voice of a N"ation repeat- 
ing the self-same reasons for getting rid of those Treaties which 
I gave then for not making them, and recounting, as matter of 
history, the evils which I then foretold. 

"Of the joint occupation Treaty, I then said — it was one sided 
and partial, yielding our territory, our river and our sea-port to 
the British, and getting nothing from them in return: that they 
would kill and expel our fur-traders — occupy and fortify the 
Country — set up a claim to the whole of it — and either fight us 
for it, — or offer to compromise by dividing our Country into two 
unequal parts, and taking the lion's share to themselves. This is 
what I then said, and what the event now proves. And I then 
proposed the termination of all that policy by putting an end to 
the Treaty; and I urged the preservation of our own rights on 
the Oregon by Colonizing the Country and giving land to the 
emigrants. These are the Measures I recommended twenty-five 
years ago, and which are now pursued in relation to Oregon, and 
they have my cordial support. To put an end to the Treaty of 
Joint occupation, and to give land to the emigrants, is now the 
national policy, and the way to carry the Baltimore resolutions 
into effect. 

"And I went further in my views upon Oregon than the ex- 
clusion of the British, and the preservation of our territorial 
rights. I looked across the Pacific Ocean, and I saw Eastern 
Asia full in sight. I traced an American Eoad to India* 
through our own dominions, and across that Sea ! — I showed that 
a new route, almost exclusively American, was to be opened to 
Asiatic Commerce, and although the event has not yet fulfilled 



572 Texas State Historical Association 

my expectations, nor the public mind advanced to my position, 
yet I still stand upon it and adhere to my vision of five and 
twenty years ago. 1 repeat again what I then said: I say the 
man is alive, full-grown, and listening to what I say (without 
believing it, perhaps) who will yet see the Asiatic Commerce 
traversing the North Pacific Ocean, entering the Oregon river, 
climbing the Western Slope of the Eocky Mountains, issuing from 
its gorges, and spreading its fertilizing streams over our widely 
extended Union ! — The Steam-boa.t and the Steam-car have not 
yet exhausted their wonders. They have not yet found even their 
amplest and most appropriate theatres — the tranquil surface of 
the North Pacific Ocean, and the vast inclined plane which 
spreads East and West from the base of the Rocky Mountains. 
The magic boat and the flying car are not yet seen' upon this 
ocean, nor upon this plane — but they will be seen there; — and 
St Louis, in Missouri, is yet to find herself as near to Canton as 
she now is to London — with a better and safer route, by land 
and sea, to China and Japan than she now has to France and 
Great Britain." 

♦American Eoad to India: — These words are in small capi- 
tals in the published Speech, which, I should suppose, had re- 
ceived the revision of Mr Benton himself, as it was printed, in 
a pamphlet form,® at St. Louis Missouri, from which place I 
obtained the copy now in my possession. W. K. 

[Endorsed.] Enclosure No. 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's De- 
spatch No dated December. 1845 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 34.10 

Deer. 24th. 1845. 
My Lord, 

On my way through Washington yesterday where I had the 

pleasure of some conversation with Mr Pakenham, I learnt that 

the resolutions annexing Texas to the United States had passed 

both Houses of Congress, and been approved by the President. 

"This pamphlet is not generally available. 
•F. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 

'T. O. Texas, 13. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 33, December 21, 1845, ac- 
knowledging receipt of despatches, has been omitted. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 573 

In pursuance to Your Lordship's instructions of the 3rd In- 
stant, however, I am proceeding by Mail to Texas, and avail my- 
self of an accidental delay at this point, to mention that the 
Messenger of that Government who brought on the Constitution 
of the new State, and is to take back it's adoption, is still de- 
tained at Washington. 

Accident apart, therefore, I shall reach Texas in time to make 
the communication directed by Your Lordship in the despatch 
No 17, before the extinction of the Government of the Eepublic. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Right Honourable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Ko. 38. Her Majesty's Consulate 

Galveston December 31st 1845 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to transmit a Eeturn of the Number of Ger- 
man Emigrants that arrived at Galveston during the year about 
to close, with the Names of the Ships in which they were con- 
veyed, the Nations, to which said ships belonged, and the Ports 
from which they Sailed. 

The European emigration to Texas during 1845, has, with 
slight exception been exclusively German. 

William Kennedy. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, E. T. 

[Enclosure.] 

Eeturn of the Number of German Emigrants that have ar- 
rived at the Port of Galveston from the 1st of January 1845 to 
the 31st of December of the same year, with the names of the 
Ships in which they were conveyed, the Nations to which said 
Vessels belonged, and the Ports from which they sailed. 

"F. 0. Texas, Vol. 14. 



574 



Texas State Historical Association 









Number of 


Ship. 


Nation 


From 


Emigrants 


Brig Johann Dethard. 


Bremen 


Bremen 


130 


" Ferdinand 


<e 


(( 


125 


" Hergchel. 


(( 


ce 


135 


" Arminius 


i( 


(C 


125 


" Garonne 


(C 


(( 


136 


" George Delcius 


(( 


(t 


136 


" Margaretha 


(( 


(C 


125 


" Aiiguste & Meline 


(( 


(( 


147. 


" Weser 


tc 


(( 


97. 


" Johann Dethard 


ii 


te 


130 


Ship Everhard. 


tc 


(C 


280 


Barque Neptune 


<e 


(I 


214 


" Hercules 


<i 


u 


164 


" B. Bohlen 


C( 


<e 


184 


" Matador 


Hanoverian 


(( 


140 


Schooner Gerona 


Hanoverian 


a 


87. 


Barque Harriet 


Belgian 


Antwerp 


183 


Brig. Alberdina 


Oldenburg. 


i( 


77. 


Ship Washington 


American 


a 


185 


Barque Strabo 


iC 


C( 


169. 


" Sarah Anne 


a 


« 


125 



Total number of German Emigrants 3084 

[Endorsed] In Mr Consul Kenned/s despatch No 38. dated 
December 31st 1845. 



ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 2." New Orleans. 

Jany. 5. 1846. 

My Lord. i^^lffl 

I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that I arrived 

here yesterday morning, a few hours before the departure of a 

Steam boat for Galveston. Indisposition arising from the ex- 

"F. O. Texas, Vol. 16. 

"F. 0. Texas, 16. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 1, January 5, 1846, has been 
omitted. It stated reasons for being unable at present to furnish a de- 
tailed list of his correspondence. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 575 

haustion of a long journey at this inclement season of the year, 
prevented me from availing myself of that opportunity: But ob- 
serving in the Newspapers that the President of the United States 
had already signed the Annexation resolutions, and forwarded them 
to Texas by a Messenger, I deemed it suitable to lose no time in 
placing the Government of the Eepublic in possession of the Copy 
of Your Lordship's . Despatch No 17 of last year. It was there- 
fore transmitted to the Secretary of State by yesterday's boat, 
with the accompanying Note." I proceed to Texas in pursuance 
of Your Lordship's Instructions on the 8th Instant. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honourable. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^" 

No. 3. New Orleans. 

Jany. 8th. 1846. 
My Lord, 

The delay of a day in the departure of the Steam boat by which 
I proceed to Texas enables me to forward to Your Lordship a 
noticeable letter extracted from a newspaper of this City." 

There may be some exaggeration in this account of the state of 
the force in Texas, but I have also heard from reliable sources 
that it is very unsatisfactory. The fact is that it is in a wrong 
position militarily considered. It should have been cantoned in 
the neighbourhood of San Antonio which is comparatively healthy, 
and where there is abundance of good water and forage. That 
point also covers the main routes into the Country, and owing to 
the rolling nature of it there, the force and their Material could 
always be moved in anv direction that was necessary — on the 
Coast they are either in a swamp, for rain of any consequence 
renders the Country almost impracticable, or there is a drought 
with a total want of good water and forage. It was only neces^arv 
to hold Corpus Christi, or the nearest best water harbour to the 

"Elliot tr) Allen. January 4, 1846. (Tn Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- 
fiponrlence of the Repuhlic of Texas, TIT, 1203, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Re- 
port. 1908, TT.) 

"F. O. Texas, Vol. 16. 

"Unidentified newspaper cutting. 



576 Texas State Historical Association 

Cantonment of the force with two or three light draught Gun 
boats, and a small armed steamer, I have long felt satisfied from 
my experience in this Country that the Americans are better fitted 
for the acquisition of territory by quiet encroachment than by 
military operations. 

The Officers are almost universally excellent and high spirited, 
but the Government knows nothing of the care or management 
of the troops, or the mode of elevating their morals. They are 
for the most part foreigners too, or not of the good classes of 
native Citizens, and have necessarily not much pride in their pro- 
fession. If Mexico were in the situation that it was ten years 
since I believe that this small force would have been effectually 
broken to pieces long ago. It was certainly assembled in an ex- 
tremely confused and incomplete manner, and I am sure has been 
improperly posted since 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABEKDEEN^^ 

Separate. New Orleans. 

January 8th, 1846. 
My Lord, 

I beg leave to transmit to Your Lordship an extract from the 
New York Herald Newspaper of the 22d Ultimo. ^^ 

The pretext for Mr Buehanan's^^ censures was the concealment 
of the place of my destination when I left Texas in April last, 
but it may be that the success of my visit to Mexico is the foun- 
dation of this irritation. For Mr Buchanan possibly understands 
that when the popular intoxication has subsided in Texas there 
may be bitter repinings at the great sacrifice into which the people 
have been deluded and hurried, and indignation against the acts 
and devices and motives of the parties by whom, and for whose ad- 
vantage, the act of excessive folly has been brought about. 

Suffer me to remind Your Lordship that the two events of the 

"F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. 

'"Thp cutting enclnped is dated Decemiber 25, IM6. 

"Buchanan was at this time secretary of state in Polk's cabinet. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 577 

dispositions of the Mexican Government towards accommodation 
on the basis of the independence of Texas, and the earnest desire 
of Her Majesty's Government that these dispositions should be 
met in a corresponding spirit by the Government of Texas, became 
known to me within a few days of each other at the end of March 
last. It had happened that just before that period, with the An- 
nexation resolutions passed in the United States, and a party in 
power there, deeply committed to the Measure, I had considered 
that I could be of no further use on the spot for the present, and 
was in the intention of going to Charleston to meet my family. 
These intentions were generally known at Galveston when the 
Electra arrived, — but then followed the change of circumstances 
that led to my visit to Mexico. 

The concealment of the place of my destination till something 
definite could be procured from Mexico, and laid before the public 
of Texas, was indispensably necessary to protect that Government 
against the indirect practices and proceedings to which they were 
exposed. No person was better aware of their situation in that 
respect than myself, and feeling that it was incumbent upon me 
in the spirit of my instructions, to second their wise and sincere 
desire to secure to the people of Texas a choice between independ- 
ence on honourable terms, and the rash sacrifice of their National- 
ity, I adopted the course which has brought upon me the repre- 
hension of a Gentleman of Mr. Buchanan's claims to direct and 
disinterested public conduct, and ingenuous political correspond- 
ence. 

It was the last chance that was left of preventing serious public 
mischief, fraught with consequences of the worst description to 
all parties concerned, and I felt that I ought not to reject it for 
the sake of avoiding the blame which I knew would be cast upon 
me in the highly probable contingency that has occurred. 

Mr Buchanan's strictures do not affect me, for emulating the 
plainness with which he has spoken of me in papers that have 
found their way before the public, I must really say that in my 
estimation he is no more than the player of a chief part in an 
unprincipled public juggle, a plot for the spoliation of an un- 
offending and weak neighbour, brought to pass mainly by the be- 
trayal of certain politicians of their friends and leaders for no 



578 Texas State Historical Association 

higher detectable interests than their own, and those of land and 
stock jobbers, and internal Slave trade dealers; a passage, in fine, 
in that systematic practice of delusion and excitement upon the 
unreflecting masses of the American people, made drunk with 
vv^ordy and senseless projects of aggrandizement, and whooped on 
to clamour for measures alike injurious to the honour and well 
understood interests of their Country. 

Few persons. My Lord, can be better acquainted than myself 
with tlie history of the Annexation of Texas, from its origin to 
its accomplishment; and there is no confusion in my understand- 
ing between the influences and means which have compassed it, 
and the reluctant consent of eminent persons of both the great 
parties in the Country who have recently voted for it, in a sense, 
no doubt, that further opposition was unavailing, and would only 
serve to drive them into private life, at a moment when there is 
t<o much need for their efforts to avert worse mischief 

It cannot be justly imputed to me, if these papers should ever 
be submitted to the public, that I am making a general and un- 
founded attack upon the American people and their institutions. 
Nothing can be farther from my dispositions and intentions. I 
have lived more in America than in Europe for the last 30 years 
of my life, I have as many friends here as there ; I have the firmest 
belief in the suitableness of their institutions as they were origin- 
ally framed to the circumstances of the case, and to the fitness 
of those people for such institutions, and I know that there are 
as many reasonable and honourable persons in the United States 
as in any other part of the world, proportion ably to the population 

But it is unhappily equally true that if there were many times 
more ; the course of public events would not be materially altered, 
for there is a great preponderance of ignorance, prejudice, and 
rashness, not only in the body of the people, but in the councils 
of the Nation, sinking more and more palpably to a very low level, 
by the rapidly deteriorating operation of universal suffrage. I 
am as sensible as any American can be, that this painful result 
doe<= not spring from the original principle of their institutions, 
which was sound, but I believe that some of the most profound 
thinkers in America, have traced it to the revolutionary change 
from a representative to a pure democracy; a form of things that 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 579 

experience has shewn to be unstable, incompatible with peace, true 
freedom, and the elevation of the character of man; ever leading 
on the contrary, to the curse of military despotism as an escape 
from grovelling, and usually blood stained mob tyranny, knave 
incited. 

Persons of high principle and independent conduct find their 
way less and less into public life in the United States, and it 
would be a libel to say that the public character of the present 
Government and Legislature afford fair average means of esti- 
mating the amount of public spirit, wisdom, and purity, in the 
Country. The real standard is much higher than that, but the 
voice of moderation and wisdom is silenced or borne down by the 
force of circumstances. These ultra democratic institutions, and 
the egregious flattery lavished on the people, have also had the 
effect of stamping a character of excessive exciteability and vanity 
upon the masses, making them ready instruments in the hands of 
adroit and reckless demogogues, always striving to over reach each 
other in practices upon the passions of the multitude. Some of 
the persons for example in high office to day, are supposed to have 
been sincerely opposed to the Annexation of Texas, but they never- 
theless, in the phraseology of the Country, went in freely for it, 
as soon as it was clamoured up to be popular, for the sake of what 
must rather be called tripping up — than defeating, not merely 
their political opponents, but their avowed friends and leaders, 
and by this time there are persons of note in the Legislature, of 
the same party as themselves, striving as hard to out bid and out 
manoeuvre them. 

Wrongful motives and intrigue have been imputed to the Gov- 
ernments of Great Britain and France and their Agents, in the 
affairs of Texas; with a force of assurance, which is certainly 
without parallel in the past, howsoever promising the future may 
be. There was indeed a profession of such motives and conduct 
in these affairs, but the whole world knows from whence it came, 
and in that strife of personal rivalry and unscrupulous over reach- 
ing which gave a form and substance to what originally was no 
more than the desperate conception of a feeble and expiring ad- 
ministration, it is deeply to be lamented that claims of the highest 



580 Texas State Historical Association 

order upon the consideration of American Statesmen, were totally 
sacrificed. 

Mr Buchanan has probably little or no personal knowledge of 
the Southern parts of this Country, and I think fairly enough of 
him to believe that if he could witness the shocking increase of 
the internal Slave trade which Annexation has induced, if he 
could see hundreds of wretched and innocent persons linked to an 
ox chain, passing to the Southern Market through what is called 
a land of freedom, and hundreds more standing day after day 
exposed for sale, like (battle in the market places, tricked out to 
catch the eye of criticizing purchasers, their persons arrayed in 
holiday attire, and their countenances clothed with all the omi- 
nous expression of settled grief, and shame, and sullen indigna- 
tion; I say, I cannot but believe that such a dismal sight, and 
the reflection it must produce in any commonly generous mind 
would awake Mr Buchanan's conscience to the fact that there was 
a worse part, and worse offense in the affairs of Texas, than mine. 

Turns in politics are not new to Mr Buchanan, no doubt con- 
scientiously made. Let him assure himself that he could make 
no more honourable turn, nor more merciful and just to unborn 
generations, than to repent of the share he has had in this deeply 
wrongful transaction. Let him strain every effort, of his heart 
and understanding to prevent the old Slave States of this great 
Confederacy, founded upon the doctrine, true or false, that all 
men are born equal; from becoming breeding pens of human 
cattle for the Slave supply of an immense territory, plundered 
from a Countn'- which had released it from the stain, and misery, 
and a rottenness that are the sure consequences of the system. 

Position and explicable prejudice, joined to the recollection of 
the elevated characters of some of the chief advocates of this 
business, relieve them from any suspicion of sordid motive. — 
Fatally wrong and hasty they have indeed been, but no informed 
person questions their sincerity, or charges them with purposes 
of personal advantage. Such considerations cannot be advanced 
in the case of Mr Buchanan. He is for this worst description of 
Slave trade, or he is against it. If he is for it, he has acted con- 
gruously, brt if bp ic fo-.oinat. his responsibility is as grave as it 
is possible to conceive. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 581 

The calm and deliberate judgment of his Country, and of all 
the friends of practical human rights awaits Mr Buchanan, — and 
all the other abettors of this scheme. The passing passions of the 
hour are with him, but a righteous decision cannot be long averted 
by fleeting popular excitement, or by the jargon of liberality, or 
mouthful professions of love for freedom, prefaced to votes and 
schemes in favour of an immense impulse to the most sordid and 
cruel oppression extant in Christendom 

The Queen's Government know that I have done some things 
in my humble capacity, for freedom's sake, and suffered some for 
humanity, and for that sake, and not to satisfy any personal feel- 
ing, I make this answer to the light words Mr. Buchanan has 
spoken of me. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO AEERDEEN^'' 

No. 4. Houston 

January 13th. 1846. 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that I arrived 
here this Morning on my way to Austin, but met the President 
going down to Galveston, to which place he has requested me to 
return with him. 

The Messenger from the President of the United States with 
the Annexation resolutions duly passed and approved by that Legis- 
lature and Government also arrived here this Morning and I am 
informed by the President of Texas that the Legislature of the 
Proposed State will be assem'bled on the 16th Proximo, when the 
Government of the Eepublic will be dissolved. 

He observed to me that Your Lordship's despatch ISTo. 17, should 
be acknowledged by the Secretary of State on his return to this 
place where he was shortly expected; but he would take occasion 
to converse with me again upon the subject, at Galveston. 

Charles Eliot 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 

^'F. O. Texas, Vol. 16. 



582 Texas State Historical Association 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

>^o. 5. Galveston 

January. 15th 1846. 
My Lord, 

The President conversed with me to day upon the subject of 
Your Lordship's despatch No 17 of 1845. 

Her Majesty's Government might depend that the Treaties would 
be fully and faithfully executed by the Government of the Re- 
public of Texas to the last moment of it's existence. 

And, therefore, as nothing practical could arise during the brief 
survival of tbe present institutions of this Country, involving any 
question under the principles declared in Your Lordship's despatch, 
he thought that no more would be necessary, or indeed proper on 
the part of this Government, than a notice that the Communication 
had been recorded. 

It was true that the Congress of the United States had already 
passed a law extending the revenue system of that Country over 
Texas, but that law could not go into operation because it was in 
contravention of the Constitution of the State of Texas, as ac- 
cepted by the Legislature and Government of the -IJnited States. 
For that instrument provided that the Government and Laws of 
the Republic of Texas should remain in force, till the State Legis- 
lature should be in Session, and the State Government duly in- 
augurated. 

The imposts therefore would be levied on Merchandize and pro- 
duce, whether coming from the United States or any other Coun- 
try, under the tarifE law of the Republic of Texas, till all the 
Conditions and formalities required by the Constitution of the 
State of Texas were fulfilled. 

The Government of, the Republic of Texas had no official means 
of communicating with the Government of the United States; 
And it seemed to him that the proper mode of bringing this sub- 
ject to the knowledge of that Government would be to send a 
Copy of the despatch with the delegation of the State to the Con- 
gress of the United States, when those Gentlemen were duly 
elected, and went forward to prepare their duties 

My own task being limited to the communication of the sub- 

="F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. 



Briiish Correspondence Concerning Texas 583 

ject of the despatch, and placing a Copy of it in the hands of this 
Government, the conversation dropped. 

I may mention that importers of goods to Texas from the United 
States, have been for some time past paying their duties according 
to the tariff law of the Republic of Texas, under protest, on the 
plea that the Country is already a Member of the North American 
Confederacy. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 6. Galveston. 

January 18th 1846. 
My Lord, 

I have never observed any publication, official or otherwise, in 
the papers of this Country shewing the extent and particulars of 
the popular Vote on independence or Annexation, which the recent 
Assembly at Austin provided should be taken viva voce; and I 
made that remark to the President some days since. He said that 
^the particulars had not been published because they had only 
heard from 20 Counties (there are 36 in the Republic) but so 
far as he could form a judgement he thought that the whole Vote 
would be about six thousand 

I observed that, that number did not amount to what might safely 
be taken to be one half of the whole vote of the Country ; for nearly 
14,000 persons had voted at the Presidential election in 1844. And 
yet it seemed strange that the Annexationists did not put forward 
their whole strength on such an occasion, if it were only to 
establish that vast preponderance in favour of it which has been 
so much insisted upon here and in the United States. 

It was natural to think that persons in favour of the Measure 
would take some interest or pride in recording a viva voce Vote 
in that sense; and it was equally reasonable to suppose all things 
remembered, that it's opponents would abstain from writing down 
their names against the absorption of the Country in the North 
Am.erican Confederacy; An opposition which they had been loudly 

"F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. 



584 Texas State Historical Association 

told would only serve to shew the insignificance of their number. 
The taking of the Vote, viva voce, contrary to the fundamental 
rule in their system, is of itself a subject of attentive reflection. 
Such a course was intended to stifle adverse opinion; And Your 
Lordship will not be surprised to learn that persons against An- 
nexation generally abstained from recording their refusal to sac- 
rifice independence to the plots and exigencies of dominant par- 
ties in the United States- Texas was already in the Military oc- 
cupation of a force at the disposal of those parties, and the friends 
of independence, abandoned by their leaders, were naturally com- 
pletely discouraged. 

There can be no doubt that the great majority of the vote ac- 
tually taken was on the side of Annexation, but in my mind it's 
shortness of what is known to be the full vote of the Country 
affords some fair index of the extent of opposite opinion; a party 
quieter than the successful, but certainly not less weighty in point 
of respectabiliiy and good sense. 

The President adverted to the Mass Meetings in favour of An- 
nexation held in all parts of the Country some months before the 
assembly of the body at Austin. They had left no doubt in his 
mind of the feeling and will of an immense majority of the people. 
It is to be remarked, however, that what are called Mass Meetings 
are usually assemblies of persons of one way of crying out, and 
there is a proneness on such occasions to exaggerate numbers, and 
intensity of feeling, and everv circumstance connected with them. 

The general tendency of the people of this part of the world 
to excitement and exaggeration, is also always extraordinarily de- 
veloped in their political heats and the description of their polit- 
ical assemblages and successes. I attach little credit to their ovm 
statement on such matters; at all events, exact numbers furnish 
safer conclusions, and the smallness of the general Vote on this 
question is most remarkable. The want too, of the official pub- 
lication of the number of persons actually voting, and the fact 
that the majority has been deduced from the Vote of 20 Counties 
only out of 36 (no doubt the most populous in the Eepublic) are 
significant circumstances, and may sooner or later be matter of 
some interest. 

The present Governrnent of Texas, fairlv disposed I am sure, 



British Correspondetice Concerning Texas 585 

were effectually prevented from giving one party any time or rea- 
sonable chance to recover from their delusion, or to extend to the 
other even that limited protection which the ballot would have 
afforded to persons desiring to save the independence of the Coun- 
try. In fact the whole transaction is the success of an unscrupu- 
lous intrigue, set on foot in the United States for certain per- 
sonal objects, on false pretences, and carried out from beginning 
to end by all manner of indirect and irregular proceedings 

The opinion of very distinguished persons in the United States 
has strengthened my own belief that the measure is in a high de- 
gree dangerous to the integrity of that Confederacy; And when 
the popular excitement in favour of it has subsided, it may be 
depended upon that the manner of it's accomplishment will ag- 
gravate the angry feeling of which it cannot fail to be productive. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^' 

No. 7. Galveston. 

January 20th. 1846. 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to forward to Your Lordship the "National 
Eegister" Newspaper of the 29th November last, containing^* 

1st. The proclamation of the President of Texas declaring that 
the Constitution of the proposed State of Texas adopted by a Con- 
vention of Deputies at Austin on the 28th August last, had been 
Eatified by a Majority of the popular Vote. There has been no 
proclamation setting forth the popular decision on independence 
or Annexation, and no publication, official or otherwise, of the 
amount of the whole Vote on that question, or on the popular 
ratification of the State Constitution. But I think from the best 
sources of information within my reach that the whole vote taken 
is overstated in my despatch No. 6. 

2d. The proclamation of the President of Texas directing that 

='F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. 

"Elliot here lists six of tLe nine documents already transmitted by 
Kennedy. (See ante p. 565.) 



586 Texas State Historical Association 

Elections be held for the choice of Governor, and Lieut-Governor, 
and Senators and representatives of the State Legislature. 

3d. Copy of a letter from the Honble Anson Jones to the 
Honble. J. Reily Texian Charge d'Affaires to the U. S. Jany. 
20th 1842. 

4th. Copy of a letter (strictly confidential) from General 
Houston to W. S. Murphy formerly Charge d'Affaires of the TJ. S. 
in Texas. Feby. 3d 1844. 

5th. Copy of a letter from General Houston (Confidential) to 
Mr Van Zandt Charge d'Affaires of Texas in the TJ. S. Jany. 
29th 1844. 

6th. Copy of a Message (Secret) from General Houston, Pres- 
ident of Texas, to Congress. Jany. 20th 1844. 

I abstain from making any comment upon some of these papers 
at present; but this is a convenient occasion to state that there is 
little doubt of the election of General Houston and the present 
President to the Senate of the United States by the Legislature 
of the proposed State. 

No person is more sensible than myself of the difficulties, in- 
deed of the dangers to which they were exposed. Neither am I 
ignorant of the influences brought to bear upon one of them, and 
the prospects held out to him. The degree in which the first moved 
his private feelings, and the extent to which the last bewildered 
his judgment may be hard to distinghish. That both causes oper- 
ated cannot be denied, but that he was acted upon more by his 
impulses of attachment for an individual, than by less excuseable 
motives, I am well assured.^^ 

It is not my purpose however, to dwell upon such topics; but 
I must remark that the election of these two Gentlemen to the 
Senate of the United States will be a conclusive answer from Texas 
to all the false charge respecting British and French intrigue, and 
undue interference in the Affairs of this Country. They will be 
sent there not only because it is perfectly known here that those 
statements have no foundation, but because it will be felt that 
they have done what they could for the true welfare of the Country, 
and the leaning thev undoubtedly had to the preservation of the 
indopendence of the Pepublic. will not be their worst recommen- 

"Tliat is. Houston's personal attachment to Jackson. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 587 

dation to the second thought of this deluded people. The friends 
of independence will be on their side, and the result of the popular 
vote on independence or the sacrifice of it, convincingly estab- 
lishes the existence of a much larger party in Texas, rightly and 
honourably disposed, than could be inferred from President Polk's 
recent fanciful statement to the American Congress.^^ 

I take the liberty to express the opinion that this transaction, 
or the manner of it will not be durably felt in the United States 
to be a satisfactory subject of national congratulation; and I think 
it will be judged in sound quarters that the figure of the popular 
Vote in Texas speaks more accurately and authentically upon the 
subject, than inflated figures of speech. One of the two probable 
Senators for Texas has been charged in the Government paper 
of the United States with guilty participation in foreign intrigue 
(little short of treason, I believe, was the express language) and 
the other has been denounced over and over again by a repre- 
sentative of the United States in Texas, as adverse to the con- 
nexion with the North American Confederacy, and in secret and 
treasonable understanding with Mexico, and certain European 
powers. 

Their election under such circumstances is irreconcileable with 
Mr Polk's imagination of '^the almost unanimous voice of the 
people of Texas" in rebuke of the intrigues of Great Britain and 
France in this Country — They have administered the affairs of 
Texas during the last five years, they have given the flattest con- 
tradiction to Mr Polk's charge of improper interference by Great 
Britain and France in official papers; they have passed unscathed 
through all the attack and scrutinizing enquiry to which they have 
been exposed in that sense, and their election to the Senate of 
the United States will be the rebuke of the people of Texas for 
that kind of groundless accusation. 

The people of Texas are already beginning to awaken from 
their delusion, and may soon recollect that there was no movement 
of active interference in their behalf by the Government of the 
United States when it was most needed, or until Texas was about 
to settle on an honourable and advantageous footing without it, 

^Polk's first annual message, December 2. 1845, in which he spoke of 
the "almost unanimous voice" of Texas in favor of annexation. 



688 Texas State Historical Association 

and particularly, until an approaching Presidential election in the 
United States made it a convenient subject for speculating poli- 
ticians to agitate and turn to their own account. 

When the people of Texas too, become restored to a sober sense 
of what is past and gone, it may occur to them that the Agents 
of Great Britain and France never forget that they were sent to 
the Government they had chosen, and not to operate upon the 
passions or prejudices of the unreflecting, or to practice upon lead- 
ing men in the Country by indirect means, and offers of high place 
and station, present and prospective. 

The President of the United States in his Message closes his 
reflections on Annexation, with a paragraph, every sentence of 
which, rightly explained, contains as just a Comment upon the 
transaction as language could have supplied. "If we consider," 
says Mr. Polk the "extent of territory involved in the Annexation, 
it's prospective influence on America, the means by which it has 
been accomplished, springing purely from the choice of the people 
to share the blessings of our Union, the history of the world may 
be challenged to furnish a parallel." The extent of territory in- 
volved; that is, territory six times as large as the territory in 
the occupation of the Texians, belonging to a weak and unoffend- 
ing Neighbour, and secured to her by treaty. It's prospective 
influence on America, that is in fact, the prospective influence on 
America of continued violation of compact, and increasing spolia- 
tion by the Government of this Country on feeble Powers. 

The means by which it has been accomplished; that is means 
which cannot bear the light, but springing, according to this ac- 
count, purely from the choice of the people themselves to share 
the blessings of the Union. All idea of freedom of choice by the 
people themselves is purely imaginary. The circumstances and 
facts of the case contradict it, and at least two thirds of the people 
abstained from voting at all, or voted against Annexation. Con- 
cerning these conceptions of the blessings of the Union, it seems 
highly probable that a very large part of the people of the Union 
will determine in no long lapse of time, that a great impulse to 
the internal Slave trade, and a vast extension of the principle of 
Slave representntion in the Councils of the Nation, are not bless- 
ings to the Union, but danger and shame. 



I 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 589 

Mr Polk is warranted in his confidence that the history of the 
world may be challenged to permit a parallell to this affair, or it 
may be added, to the deliberate composure of his accomit of it. 
To The Eight Honourable. Charles Elliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

^o. 8. Galveston 

My Lord, jany. 23d 1846. 

I have the honour to forward the Copy of a Circular from the 
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, extracted from 
the Union Newspaper of the 8th Instant, which reached this place 
to day; and I have also to report that the same paper contains 
the appointment by the President of the United States, by and 
with the consent of the Senate of Mr Hiram G. Reynolds to be 
''Collector of the Customs for the district of Texas, and Inspector 
of the Revenue for the Port of Galveston in the State of Texas."' 

Your Lordship is aware that the President of Texas considers 
that the separate Sovereignty of this Republic, and it's Laws and 
institutions, remain in unimpaired force till the State Legislature 
shall have assembled, and the State Government has been dulv 
established agreeably to the terms of the Constitution of the pro- 
posed State of Texas ; the acceptance of which Constitution by the 
United States in all it's details and to it's full extent, the Presi- 
dent says, formed part of the compact between the two Countries 
for the Annexation of Texas to the North American Confederacy. 

It appears, however, from some recent Laws and appointments 
in the United States, not merely fiscal, but extending the federal 
Judiciarjr system over Texas that in point of principle there is a 
conflict between the Sovereignties, and Legislatures of the two 
Countries. 

I forward for Your Lordship's examination a Copy of the Con- 
stitution of the proposed State,^^ begging to observe that I have 
marked the passage bearing on this subject. 
To The Right Honourable. Charles Eliot. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

"F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. 

"^The Civilian and Galveston Gazette, Extra, September 0. 1845. 



590 Texas State Historical Association 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

jq"o. 9. Galveston. 

Jany. 26th. 1846. 
M}^ Lord, 

I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that the President 
left this place a few days since to return to his plantation on 1) > 
Brazos, intending to remain there till it is time to proceed to 
Austin and meet the State Legislature, convened for the 16th 
Proximo. 

In his absence, and that of the Secretary of State from Austin, 
I have considered myself at liberty to remain where I am, for I 
am not in good health ; though that circumstance should not have 
prevented me from proceeding to any point where the Government 
of Texas was residing, and discharging the duty committed to me 
in Your Lordship's despatch No. 17 of 1845. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honourable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^" 

No. 10. Galveston. 

Jany. 26th. 1846. 
My Lord, 

Taking the liberty to refer Your Lordship to my despatch No. 
7. I would beg leave to say a few words upon the contrariety be- 
tween the language which the late and present Presidents of Texas 
held to me for communication to Her Majesty's Government, and 
that which has otherwise found it's way before the public. 

Your Lordship is aware that they both frequently assured me 
they preferred the separate existence and independence of the 
Country, recognized by Mexico, to it's absorption in the North 
American Confederacy, and that they have both over and over 
again as well to me, as in formal public papers, expressed their 
perfect confidence in the friendly and unconditional support and 
just purposes of Her Majesty's Government. 

General Houston ever since I have known him, has always been 

"F. O. Texas. Vol. 16. 
»«F. O. Texas, Vol. 16. 



British Correspondence Coricerning Texas 591 

more emphatic in the expression of his determined opposition 
against Annexation than the present President, and more sanguine 
in his avowed belief that the people of this Country would never 
sacrifice their independence if it's acknowledgment could be se- 
cured from Mexico. Speaking of Mr. Jones I believe that he went 
as far as he could, to secure a wiser and more honourable turn 
than affairs had taken. 

But it is not to be denied that a time arrived when General 
Houston was acted upon by influence which succeeded, not in- 
deed in engaging him in any active sense, overtly or otherwise, 
favour of Annexation, (at least till a very late period, and only 
after the election of the Deputies had made it certain that the 
Measure would be carried in Texas, or if not after that period, 
very close upon it). But those influences effectually succeeded to 
the extent of keeping him passive and observant throughout a 
critical state of public feeling in this Country. 

What the result might have been if General Houston, supported 
as he would have been, had decisively interposed at an early stage 
in favour of independence, I cannot say, and I am aware that 
his situation was difficult. But at all events it is manifest that 
by openly and steadfastly adhering from first to last to that choice 
which he sincerely believed to be for the honour and advantage of 
the Country he would have gained for himself a high and enduring 
reputation. If General Houston had said some of the things 
which I have seen imputed to him in the prints of the United 
States respecting his public transactions with Great Britain and 
France, I am concerned for him, and if he has not, as I learn 
that he denies he has, it must be painful to his friends that 
there has been no public and direct refutation of reports so wrong-- 
ful and injurious to him. 

In concluding, however, I will take the liberty to say that prom- 
inent persons in such a political scheme as this, should always be 
judged with much allowance for varying language, and seemingly 
changing conduct of affairs. For it cannot be denied that dire'ct- 
ness would generally be extremely hazardous to them in moments 
of crisis, and it must also be remembered that their power to avert 
mischief is quite incommensurate with their political risks. In 
fact T have leamt in my experience that irresponsible despotism. 



592 Texas State Historical Association 

as a rule, produces very similar results on persons in high station, 
whether it be the despotism of a capricious Asiatic Prince, or of 
multitudes in possession of uncontrolled power, too often taking 
Council of bad advisers and their own passions, amidst shouts for 
what is absurd and unjust, and groans for what is wise and right. 

The Competitors and enemies of eminent men in either of these 
cases constantly succeed in casting them into situations in which 
there is no choice between a complete violation of conscience, or 
that sacrifice of political prospect. In the first indeed, in addi- 
tion to the loss of power, there is sometimes loss of life, or chains 
and banishment, but in some compensation for these occasional 
cruelties it may be that good councils and justice more frequently 
resume their sway over a single despot, than over a despotic mul- 
titude lashed into a condition of ever recurring excitement and 
delusion by enger rivals for their suffrages. 

It is rather a matter of surprize that there should be so many 
public men in America constant to common sense and justice, than 
that there should be many more skilful in catching the turn of 
events, and unscrupulous in tergiversation; or still greater num- 
bers, drifting with the popular tide, let it run which way it will. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No. 12.='^ Galveston. 

February 1st 1846. 
My Lord, 

It is currently reported here that the last steam boat from New 
Orleans with dates from that place of the 27th Ulto. and from 
Washington of the 17th has brought orders to the force at Corpus 
Christi to advance forthwith to the Eio Grande. But judging 
from the very short time that the intelligence of the recent 
changes^^ in Mexico, and the withdrawal, or the reported with- 
er. O. Texas, Vol. 16. 

"^F. 0. Texas. IG. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 11. January 27, 1846. has 
been omitted. It transmitted printed copies of the Journal of the Texan 
Convention of 1845. 

''The revoluttion of Paredes against Herrera. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 593 

drawal of Mr. SlidelP* from thence could have been known by 
the United States Government at our latest dates from Washing- 
ton, it may be that nothing beyond instructions for early movement 
have come on as yet : But trust worthy information from Corpus 
Christi as late as the 23d. Ulto I think the American force in 
Texas may be nearly stated, as follows. 

Infantry about 2,600 \ at 

Dragoons Do 400 I Corpus. 

Horse Artillery Do 220 J Christi 

and two troops of Dragoons detached at San Antonio de Bejar 
and Austin. 

Their field Artillery is reported to consist of 12 Guns, and Six 
of heavier Calibre mounted as battering Guns on their field de- 
fences. The Material and efficiency of this part of the force are 
best spoken of; but their horses as well as those of the Cavalry 
have the appearance of having suffered severely from bad water 
and exposure. The people are still under canvass, and I learn 
that there were about 80 men in the hospitals, and that they have 
lost rather more than that number by death and the same by 
desertion. Large proportion of the force are Irish, and Germans 
and other foreigners; indeed it is said that not more than a fifth 
of the whole are of American birth. 

The swampy condition of the lower Country would prevent them 
from moving immediately even if the orders have come on, but 
if the weather should continue fine for 10 days or a fortnight 
they would be able to do so, and I should add that they have been 
collecting transport since their arrival in Texas, and I believe 
have now enough for movement to any points on the lower Rio 
Grande whicli they propose to advance upon. 

If they do move, the Brassos, San Jago would I conclude be 
immediately occupied both by troops and by such light armed 
vessels as could be got into that anchorage. The best water there 
may be about 8^ feet, but the position would be necessary for 
their supplies and communications. There is no Naval force of 

"Slidell, who was a member of Cor^rress from Louisiana in 1845. was 
in that year sent to Mexico to "adjust difficulties," but in reality to 
purchase California if possible. He was unsuccessful. 



594 Texas State Historical Association 

any kind upon this Coast except one revenue schooner; engaged in 
a survey under the direction of two officers of the Engineer Corps. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABEKDEEN^^ 

No. 13. Galveston 

February 15th. 1846. 
My Lord. 

I have the honour to transmit the Copy of a Note from this 
Government, dated on the 4th Inst.^^ — and in connexion with the 
subject of it, I take this occasion to forward to Your Lordship the 
Copy of a letter of instructions which I have this day addressed 
to Consul Kennedy. Thinking it possible that he might publish 
some notice respecting these matters, (which appears to me to be 
unnecessary and inexpedient) I have marked the letter "Confiden- 
tial." 

Charles Elliot 
To The Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. 

ELLIOT TO KENNEDY^ 

[Enclosure.] 

Copy. 

Charles Elliot. 

Confidential Galveston, Feby. 15th 1846 

Sir,. 

If the Master of any British Vessel (arriving at this Port after 
the Custom House Authorities appointed by the Government of 
the Eepublic have retired from the performance of their duties) 
should capply to you for advice, you will guide yourself by these 
instructions. 

You will counsel him to proceed to the Custom House accom- 

«F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. 

"Allen to Elliot, February 4, 1846. In Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- 
spondence of the RepuMic of Texas, III, 1204, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Re- 
port, 1908, II. 

'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 595 

panied by the IVIate of the vessel admonished to be heedful of 
any conversation that may pass at that place between the Chief 
person engaged in the Collection of Customs duties and himself. 
If he should find that he is permitted to enter under any other 
authority than that of some existing revenue or Navigation law 
of the Eepublic of Texas, you will advise him to state that he had 
arrived here to trade under the treaty of Commerce and Navi- 
gation between Her Majesty The Queen of Great Britain and 
Ireland and the Eepublic of Texas, signed at London November 
13th 1840, and whereof ratifications were exchanged at London 
June 28th 1842, that he claims the rights privileges, liberties, 
favours, immunities and exemptions secured to Her Majesty's 
Subjects trading in Texas under that Treaty, and enters protest 
against all proceedings taken, or to be taken contrary thereto, as 
respects the Ship of which he is Master, and the goods of her 
lading. 

You will further advise him, as soon as any duties shall be 
charged against the Ship or Cargo under the authority of any 
other than some existing law of the Eepublic of Texas to pay the 
same, and extend his protest, causing it to be served upon the 
Chief person engaged in the Collection of such duties. For your 
more complete guidance herein I forward a Memorandum of the 
particulars which it may be needful to specify in the protest, to- 
gether with any others which may occur on the occasion. 

You will govern yourself in all matters of Commerce and Navi- 
gation affecting British Subjects at your Consulate who may apply 
to you for advice, upon the understanding that the stipulations 
of the treaties in existence between Her Majesty and this Eepublic 
remain in the same position as if Texas had continued an inde- 
pendent Power, but you will carefully observe that this view is 
confined to the subject matter of those treaties, and offer no ob- 
jection or remark upon any other change of authority or juris- 
diction. 

In case of any refusal upon the part of the persons in authority 
at your Consulate to extend to you all the rights, privileges, and 
immunities accorded to Officers in your station by the law of 
Nations, and stipulated in the 7th Article of the treaty of Com- 
merce and Navigation of the .13th November 1840, you will report 



596 Texas State Historical Association 

tlie particulars to Her Majesty's Principal Secretar}- of State for 
Foreign Affairs; but you are particularly cautioned to conduct 
yourself with the utmost circumspection, and to avoid as far as 
may be possible consistently with a due discharge of your duty, 
any discussion or correspondence with the persons in Authority at 
Your Consulate. 

Till you are further instructed you will be pleased to forward 
all letters or despatches which may reach you to my address lo the 
care of H. M. Consul, New Orleans. 

Charles Elliot. 
P. S. 

You will be so good as to hand the accompanying letter to the 
Commander of any of Her Majesty's Ships who may arrive at 
Galveston during my absence. 

C. E. 
To Wm Kennedy, Esqr. 

H. M. Consul. 
Galveston. 

MEMORANDUM BY ELLIOT^ 

Memorandum respecting particulars of protest ad- 
verted to in Captain Elliot's despatch to Consul Ken- 
nedy, dated Galveston Feby. 15th 1846. 

The Ship's name, tonnage, owners, British port of registry, last 
British port cleared from, general description of Cargo, to what 
place or places bound, the names of any ports She has touched at 
during her voyage, date of arrival in the Port of Galveston, state- 
ment of communication with the persons declaring themselves to 
be engaged in the collection of revenue their proceedings, amounts 
of money charged by, and paid to them on account of the Ship or 
Cargo, and finally Master and Mate to protest as well as any Con- 
signees of Cargo if they see fit on their own behalf and on the 
part and behalf of the Owners and all others interested or in any 
respect concerned in the Ship or her Cargo against. 

(Specify here, the name and declared offices of the 
chief person and any other person or persons engaged 

^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 597 

in the Collection of the required duties or charges, 
or put on board the ship by the authority of the 
Collector. ) 

And against all others whom it doth or shall concern for all 
losses, damages, costs, expences and prejudices actually suffered 
or which may hereafter ensue by reason of charging upon and 
requiring from the said ship, or the goods of her lading in the 
Port of Galveston in Texas any duty of Customs or imports under 
any authority other than that of some existing law of the Eepublic 
of Texas, and for all and every violation, as respects the said ship 
and her Cargo, of the stipulations of the treaty of Commerce and 
Navigation between the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and 
the Eepublic of Texas signed at London November 13th 1840, and 
whereof Eatifications were exchanged at London June 28th 1842. 

(Signed) Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed.] In Captn Elliot's of Feb. 15/46. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No 14. Galveston, 

Feby. 16th 1846. 
My Lord, 

By information from Corpus Christi of the 14th Inst, we learn 
from what I think may be taken to be an authentic source that the 
American force there has been ordered to advance upon the Eio 
Grande as soon as possible. It seems probable that the main body 
will be directed in the first place upon Point Isabel, and that the 
Brassos Santiago will also be occupied. These are the avowed 
objects of the movement, but if any pretext should present itself, 
I think there can be no doubt that Matamoros will be immediately 
seized. 

In my former despatches I have had the honour to remark to 
Your Lordship that it seemed to me it would have been proper, 
on military principles, to keep this small force assembled at some 
convenient points on the American side of the Sabine, and I feel 
assured that if that were the case at the present moment, they 
could be taken to the Mouth of the Eio Grande, and landed there 

T. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 



598 Texas State Historical Association 

in a much stronger and more effective condition than they are now, 
much sooner than they can arrive from their present position. 

I do not helieve that their moveable Column will exceed 3,000 
Men, and the health and spirit of the troops must have necessarily 
suffered considerably from a long and unnecessary exposure in a 
very ineligible position, on extremely bad water. They could not 
move before the 1st Proximo, and unless the beach is practicable 
the whole way, which remains to be ascertained, not before a con- 
siderably later period, owing to the condition of the praries. 
Some uneasiness seemed to be felt respecting a small detachment 
of dragoons. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen., K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN* 

No. 15. Galveston. 

Peby. 16th. 1846. 
My Lord, 

Tlie Government of this Republic will be dissolved this day, and 
suffering from a recent attack of indisposition I shall take the lib- 
erty to proceed to New Orleans for change of air, and wait there 
for my next instructions from Her Majesty's Government unless 
any thing should transpire in the mean time requiring my return 
to this place. 

Charies Elliot. 
To The Right Honourable 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ 

No. 16. Galveston. 

February. 16th 1846. 
My Lord, 

Before the dissolution of this Government I think it may be 
convenient to submit some remarks to Your Lordship on an error 

*F. 0., Texas, Vol, 16. 
»F. O., Texas, Voi. 16. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 599 

which has been prevalent in this. Country and in the United States 
respecting the late negotiations between Mexico and Texas. 

In the United States especially it has been generally supposed 
that it was Mexico which proposed to Texas to acknowledge her 
independence on the condition that Texas should not Annex her- 
self to that Country in particular, and it was urged that Texas 
could not have accepted that condition without discredit. Her 
Majesty's Government are aware that this is a complete mistake 
in point of fact and form. It was the Government of Texas which 
proposed, not Mexico, and the proposed condition did not mention 
the United States. The language was general, and the French 
Minister at Mexico particularly remarked that that circumstance 
was important, for a stipulation so shaped could give no just 
offence in any quarter. 

Texas had a right to maintain her separate existence, and it 
will be admitted that such a course would have been in accordance 
with her formal declarations to the world, and her pledges, direct 
and implied, to those Powers, which had only acknowledged it 
upon the assurance, that she would With that right, and that obli- 
gation of self respect, it is not easy to see why she should not offer 
to make the stipulation in question for peace sake, in the final 
treaty with Mexico. It would have been justifiable and honourable, 
and that cannot be said of this repudiation of independence and 
Nationality. If the people of Texas had been left to their de- 
liberate choice there is ground to believe that they would have rati- 
fied the worthier policy; but intrigue, and factitious excitement, 
and haste prevailed, compassing an act of folly and discredit; 
which, however, it is only just to repeat that two thirds of the 
voters of the Country have failed to support at the polls. 

The President of the United States in his opening Message to 
Congress, has fallen into an aggravated degree of misconception 
on the subject of this condition, deciding that Mexico had no right 
or authority to prescribe restrictions on the form of Government 
which Texas might afterwards choose to assume. Without dwell- 
ing on this exposition of the right and authority of Mexico to look 
to her safety witli what care she can, it is impossible to miss the 
observation of her great need to do so; and it is also requisite to 



600 Texas State Historical Association 

come back to the facts of the case in this particular, not dis- 
tinguishable from President Polk's account of them. 

It was Texas that was proposing, not Mexico that was prescrib- 
ing, and there was no question of form of Government at all, 
before or after, but of the much more vital consideration to Mexico 
of who was to be conterminous with her. It is a very inacurate 
and arbitrary expression of the circumstances of the case, and the 
motives which influenced Mexico to say that she was prescribing 
restrictions on the form of Government that Texas might choose 
to assume. Mexico did no more than accept the exact conditions 
proposed by the Government of Texas, and execute an additional 
Act, reserving her rights if those conditions should not be ratified 
by the people of Texas. 

That Act was perhaps superfluous, for the rejection of the Con- 
ditions by the Legislature of Texas restored the statu quo, but it 
is plain that Mexico had a perfect right and some need to provide 
beyond the possibility of fair question, that her assent to particular 
conditions offered by Texas was not to be construed into a sur- 
render of a totally different nature and extent, to a third party. 
If the Act did nothing else, it proved that Mexico had a clear 
foresight of the pretension and augumentation that might be looked 
for in the quarter to which the transaction had reference. 

Your Lordship will remember that one of the preliminary con- 
ditions provided that limits and other conditions should be matter 
of arrangement in the final treaty. It appears, however, from 
another part of the Message that the limits of the United States 
are peacefully extended to the Del Norte already, which expression 
it is to be apprehended may complicate the difficulty of settlement 
with Mexico, for in their construction it will be taken to be no 
more than a formal mode of announcing that the Countries are 
appropriated, and the treaties violated, though indeed, there is to 
be no violence for the mere sake of violence. Mexico will hardly 
consider this to be any thing else than a plain declaration that the 
dismemberment of their Country has been commenced by the 
LTnited States, peacefully if possible, violently, if necessary. "Care 
"will be taken Mr. Donelson writes to Mr. Buchanan on the 11th 
""June 1845" to throw "the responsibility of aggressive measures on 
"the Government of Mexico". 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 601 

I cannot but remark, My Lord, that the purposes respecting this 
out lying territory, and the kind of care which has been taken to 
cast the responsibility of aggressive measures upon Mexico are 
copiously developed in the Official correspondence lately laid be- 
fore Congress by President Polk. With that, and the other evi- 
dence before the world respecting these affairs it is certainly 
sanguine to hope that mankind will Join in general sentence of 
condemnation against Mexico for aggressive and wrongful conduct 
towards the United States if the Mexican Government and people 
should see fit to defend their Country against what is not less than 
invasion, because it is called peaceful extension. 

Mr. Polk's judgment of the conclusiveness against Mexico of 
an agreement to acknowledge the independence of Texas, with or 
without conditions, at once sweeps over broad spaces of latitude 
and longitude. It involves the conclusion, not only that Mexico 
has by her own Act (in a directly contrary spirit and letter) sur- 
rendered all right to object to the assignment to the United 
States by the Texians, of the territory in their actual occupation, 
but that she has forfeited all claim to immense Mexican regions 
beyond these limits in which the Texians have never yet had a 
settler, which have always formed a part of other Mexican States, 
and which are occupied by a Mexican population scarcely less 
numerous than the population represented in the Texian Legis- 
lature. If such decisions prove conclusive against Mexico, their 
force will not be the force of justice and reason. 

In closing this despatch I venture to say that I was prepared 
for the disclosures, in the correspondence between Messr. Donelson 
and Buchanan respecting the preliminary treaty acceded to by 
Mexico. Speaking of it in a letter to Mr. Buchanan (August 16th 
1845) Mr Donelson complains that "But for that treaty and the 
"proclamation which grew out of it, our position on the question 
"of boundary would have been less embarrassed". — . And in an- 
other letter to the same quarter (July 16th 1845) he was still more 
explicit upon the obstructions thrown in the way of particular 
purposes respecting this important point, by the preliminary 
treaty and the suspension of hostilities proclaimed by the Presi- 
dent of Texas. I had for some time been sensible that the dis- 
posal of this coveted Mexican territory was the single considera- 



602 Texas State Historical Association 

tion left of real moment in these affairs, and that it was highly- 
desirable that colourable Texian occupation should not be sud- 
denly obtruded witliin it, before this Eepublic formally signified 
it's willingness to join the North American Confederacy. The 
Country in the actual occupation of the Texians is of little value 
in their condition of a State of the Union, possessing Millions of 
unoccupied acres of better land, or at least of equal fitness for the 
same products, and incomparably more conveniently situated for 
Markets. 

JSTeither can the possession of this territory add to the political 
strength of the United States, for it is almost bereft of the re- 
sources which would help that object, having neither eligible har- 
bours, nor easily navigable rivers, nor any other natural elements 
of Military power. At all events it had been lost to Mexico long 
since. Your Lordship however is aware that I was informed of 
the plots in preparation at that very moment for the seizure of the 
territory which was not lost to her, nominally to the Texian Mili- 
tia; really by other Agency, and arms and funds. In view of that 
circumstance, a suspension of hostilities on the part of the Govern- 
ment of Texas was no doubt an object of importance at that con- 
juncture. Fully alive to the necessity of speed I travelled without 
resting from Galveston to Washington after my arrival in the "La 
Peronne", for I was aware that Mr Donelson would immediately 
proceed to the same destination, and it was urgent that the ac- 
ceptation of the preliminaries by Mexico should be communicated 
to this Government before his arrival there. We met at Houston 
on my return from seeing the President, and Mr. Donelson must 
have probably received the proclamation on his way up the Country. 
This correspondence confirms the impression I entertained and 
communicated to Mr Bankhead at the time, namely, that the sus- 
pension of hostilities by proclamation of this Government had dis- 
turbed the fulfilment of dangerous purposes against Mexico. 

My share in these transactions has been at once exaggerated, 
and the source of considerable irritation and complaint in the 
correspondence here noticed. I shall merely say that I was acting 
in a sense of duty to Her Majesty's Government, willing to be help- 
ful in effecting a peaceful settlement between Mexico and Texas 
upon terms of security, honour and advantage to both. But so 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 603 

far as I was entrusted with the execution of these wishes of Her 
Majesty's Government, it was incumbent upon me to take every 
proper precaution in my power, that their efforts in the behalf of 
one of the ostensible principals of this dispute should not facilitate 
the intentions of a third party to despoil Mexico of vast regions 
secured to her by treaty, to which Texas had not a shadow of just 
claim for Herself, and still less, if less were possible, to assign 
them to the United States. Contiguity between Mexico and the 
United States on that frontier will be attended with imminent 
danger to the stability of the first, and the desert nature of the 
country between the Eio Grande and Nueces make it almost vital 
to Mexico that those regions should continue to belong to her. 

The safest separation between the Countries that circumstances 
now admit of, may probably be the course of the Nueces from 
Mouth to source, a right line from that point to the present South 
West limit of the United States, and thence continued along the 
present dividing Meridian. 

I avail myself of this occasion to forward to -Your Lordship 
the Copy of a Veto Message by General Houston on a Bill which 
passed both Houses of the Texian Congress at the beginning of 
his last Administration, extending the frontier of Texas to the 
Pacific in the parallel of the Mouth of the Eio Grande; which it 
may probably be one purpose of Mr Slidell's Mission to Mexico 
to attempt now for the United States. I have alluded to this 
subject in my former despatches, but have only recently succeeded 
in procuring a Copy of this Message. 

Charles Elliot. 
To The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

[Enclosure].*^ Executive Department. 

Copy. City of Austin. 

Charles Elliot. Feby. 1st 1848. 

To the Honourable the House of Eepresentatives 

Impressed as I am with a sense of duty and the true situation 
of the Country I cannot yield my assent to the Bill "to amend an 
"Act to define the Boundaries of the Eepublic of Texas". I trust 

T. O., Texas, Vol. 16. 



604 Texas State Historical Association 

your Honourable body will bear with me while I assign my reasons 
for the course which I feel compelled to adopt. 

Texas has heretofore declared by the law of 1836 that her limits 
sliould [be] bounded on the West by the principal stream of the 
Kio Grande to it's source, thence due North to the 42d degree of 
latitude and the boundary line of the United States. This formed 
our limits with Mexico, and agreeably to this we have been recog- 
nized as independent by the United States, and also by those 
European Governments with which we have established relations. 
From these facts it seems to me that until Texas has it in her 
power to exercise jurisdiction it can be of no possible advantage 
to her, that she should assert any claim which would subject her 
to derision, or evince her wish to extend her claim to territory 
by mere assumption of a right which she might not be able to 
enforce. The recognized limits of Texas are greater than either 
her population or resources will enable her at the time to occupy. 

To extend our limits according to the provisions of the Bill 
would embrace a region of Country larger than the United States 
of the North, and include two thirds of the Eepublic of Mexico. 
It would take in portions of the States of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, 
Durango, Sinaloa, and all of Chihuahua, New Mexico, — Sonora 
and upper and lower California. It is also but reasonable to cal- 
culate that the inhabitants of those vast regions would not number 
less than ten Millions. It would then appear curious to Nations 
in amity with us that a people destitute of means to meet their 
most pressing wants, and mimbering less than one hundred thou- 
sand, should assume by a declaratory law that they have a right to 
govern a Country possessing a population of more than thirty to 
one. Thus far I am inclined to believe other nations would re- 
gard the Measure as visionary, or as a legislative jest, inasmuch 
as it would assume a right which it is utterly impossible to ex- 
ercise. 

But other considerations of a most grave and solemn character 
impress themselves on my mind. 

The mediation of England has been invoked between the Gov- 
ernments of Texas and Mexico, the exercise of which has only been 
delayed in consequence of the want of the ratification and ex- 
change of Treaties. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 605 

This difficulty will however soon cease to exist. So soon as the 
exchange of ratifications can take place at London there can be 
no doubt but that the British Minister at Mexico will be author- 
ized to interpose on behalf of Texas; and unless some obstacle 
should intervene, we may at no distant period anticipate the most 
favourable result from the Mediation of that Power in our favour. 
Should the present Measure, however, be adopted and a proposi- 
tion be submitted to^ the Mexican Government we cannot expect 
that this extraordinary assumption of right by Texas will be over- 
looked in the negotiation, but would present an insuperable bar- 
rier not only to our recognition by Mexico, but would annihilate 
every hope of an amicable adjustment of our differences. The 
British Minister would not be authorized to enter into any arrange- 
ment, but such as would present Texas with the limits avowed at 
the time of her recognition and declared by her law. Approved 
19 December. 1836. 

The promulgation of this Bill if it were to become a law, would 
suspend all action on the part of Great Britain. To assume a 
right which we cannot exercise would only work evil, and could 
produce no salutary result. It would be useless in itself. In- 
deed a proposition of this character is calculated to irritate and 
arouse the indignation of every man within the limits of Mexico. 
And whilst we would thus pursue phantoms as profitless as the 
present is dangerous, our character for policy, sagacity, and fore- 
cast would sufiler serious detriment. 

I need not assure Your Honorable Body of the ardent desire 
which I entertain for peace and friendly intercouse with all Na- 
tions. So long as we are not on amicable terms with Mexico, so 
long we will suffer hindrance to our prosperity. The constant 
cry of invasion will be sounded, not only throughout Texas, but 
throughout all Nations to whom we are known; and while this is 
the case we may feel confident that emigration will be impeded, 
if not entirely prevented. From this source we are to draw both 
population and wealth, and no matter how desirable our soil and 
climate might be to foreigners, nor how great their anxiety to 
make our Country their home, it could certainly be no additional 
inducement to families that Texas should remain in hostile rela- 



606 



Texas State Historical Association 



tions with Mexico; which might and would at all times render 
their situation one of unpleasant excitement, if not of danger. 

We may regard Mexicans as we may think proper, but still they 
are men, and entertain ideas of Nationality and some sense of 
shame and injury. If then they do, the present project must 
have a powerful influence upon them. Indignity always inspires 
feelings of revenge. The very thought of suffering a partition 
of their Country will give them adhesion, and union may render 
them more formidable than we have found them in times past. It 
will at all events arouse their energies, incite them to the last 
effort, inflict great annoyance upon us, and withdraw the attention 
of our Citizens from the pursuits and profits of husbandry. 

Texas only requires peace to make her truly prosperous and 
respectable. Peace will bring with it every advantage. All that 
is needful to secure individual wealth is well directed industry, 
and the policy that will permit the farmer and the mechanic to 
employ their labour in peace is the only policy that can establish 
our Country. Without peace, labour and industry, we must with 
all the boundless natural advantages of Texas, remain compara- 
tively poor and embarrassed. 

The present moment is to my apprehension the most unfor- 
tunate of all others for the awakening of this subject. 

Our fellow Citizen's taken at Santa Fe, if they still survive, are 
prisoners in the City of Mexico at the mercy of Mexicans. Every 
possible means at my command have been employed to obtain their 
release and restoration to their friends and Country. Should the 
proposed project reach the Mexican Capital in the character of 
a legislative act, no earthly interposition can secure their libera- 
tion, and I should deem it the most probable of all other events 
that they would be executed by order of the Authorities of the 
Country, and should they escape even this, I would apprehend 
their destruction by the populace. In a Country like Mexico, 
demagogues are never wanting to excite the fury and stimulate 
the bad passions of those to whose favour they seek to commend 
themselves. 

I am therefore satisfied that if any measure could produce in- 
jury to Texas, and endanger the lives of our noble, generous and 
brave fellow Citizens, whose cruel captivity we now deplore, it 



Bntish Correspondence Concerning Texas 607 

would be the passage of this bill. Surely their circumstances in- 
voke of the honourable Congress calm and careful deliberation. 

(Signed) Sam Houston. 

[Endorsed.] Inclosure in Captain Elliots Despatch No 16 to the 

Earl of Aberdeen. 
Galveston Feb. 16th. 1846. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN'' ' 

^0 1'^- AT .. 1 

JNew Orleans. 

,. T ^ March 4th. 1846. 

My Lordj 

I have the honour to transmit the "Texas Democrat- newspaper 
of the 20th Ultimo^ containing the particulars of the dissolution 
o± the Government of the Republic of Texas. 

General Houston and Mr Rusk have been elected to the Senate 
of the United States. 



To The Eight Honourable. 
The Earl of Aberdeen., K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN' 

No. 38. 



Charles Elliot. 



New Orleans. 
March 10th 1846. 



My Lord, 

I learn that the Government of the United States is taking up 
some light vessels at this port for the service of the force at Cor- 
pus Christi, and also that a small steamer hitherto employed as a 
passage vessel between that point and Galveston has been char- 
tered by [the United States] for the same object. These indications 
dispose me to think that the Material at all events, will be re-em- 
barked at Corpus Christi, and transported by sea to the Brassos 
and Norte. Detachments have been thrown forward in the di- 
rection of the Rio Grande, but we have not yet heard that the 
Head Quarters and Main body have moved. 

Unless the American Government has some understanding with 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 

""Extra" edition. 

*F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 



608 Texas State Historical Association 

leading persons in Tamaulipas and the contiguous Mexican States, 
the advance of this small and enfeebled force still further from 
their resources and communications, and within the perfectly un- 
questionable limits of Mexico, may prove to be a dangerous move- 
ment. If they advance to any distance from their depots on the 
Sea shore, they may be cut off without difficulty, and if they re- 
main there during the ensuing hot weather the climate and ex- 
posure will be disastrous to them. 

I avail myself of this opportunity to transmit a Texian News- 
paper of the 3d Instant,^" containing some extracts from a paper 
published at Corpus Christi which merit Your Lordship's notice. 
It is no doubt probably that his tone is attributable to the dislike 
of the parties interested at Corpus Christi to lose the profits of 
the continuance of the force at that point; But be the motive what 
it may, nothing can be better founded than this exposure of the 
worthlessness of these pretensions to the Country beyond the 
"Nueces" 



Charles Elliot. 



The Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" 

No 19. New Orleans. 

March 14th 1846. 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to transmit the Corpus Christi Gazette Extra- 
ordinary of the 8th Instant, containing the General orders issued 
by Brigadier General Z. Taylor respecting the immediate advance 
of the American force from that point, to the Eio Grande. 

Charles Elliot 
To The Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



"T/ie Galveston Tfews, Marcli 3, 1846. 
"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 609 

KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ 

No 4. Her Majesty's Consulate. 

Galveston. March. 16th 1846. 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to enclose herewith printed Copies of the last 
Public Address of President Jones, the Inaugural Address of the 
Governor of Texas, the first Message of the Governor, — and cer- 
tain Newspaper Articles communicating political rumours, and 
intelligence of the Movements of the United States troops, here- 
tofore stationed at Corpus Christi.^^ 

Generals Houston and Eusk — (as was pronounced likely in my 
Despatch No 34 of the 8th of December, last) have been elected 
to the Senate of the United States, by the Legislature of Texas. 
There were 70 Votes for Eusk, and 69 for Houston. Ex-Presi- 
dent Jones was a candidate, and not an unwilling one, as I am 
told, but his nomination was set aside in preliminary "Caucus." 

Officers high in the Engineer Service of the United States have 
been employed in examining the Coast of Texas, with a view to 
its defence. — They have, it is said, reported favourably of connect- 
ing, by Canals, the lagoons, that fringe the Coast, — for the pur- 
pose of opening thereby a line of interior Navigation from the 
Sabine to the Eio Grande. 

In reference to the Movement of the United States Troops to 
the Bio Grande, mentioned in Enclosure No 4, the ''Galveston 
Civilian/' of the 4th Instant, observes : — 

"We have no idea that they," (the U. S. troops) "will be op- 
posed in their present movement by the Mexican forces; nor do 
we think expectation of such an event is entertained by well-in- 
formed persons upon the frontier. 

One result desired, and pretty confidently anticipated, from this 
Military movement, by the LTnited States, is a declaration of in- 
dependence by the North Eastern Provinces of Mexico, seconded 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 17. This is the last letter from Kennedy in Texas, 
containing anything of interest. On September 18, 1846, Kennedy left 
Texas on sick leave anJ a Mr. Lynn was appointed acting consul at Gal- 
veston. His correspondence is confined to the details of his office. Mr. 
Kennedy never returned to Texas, and formally gave up his consulate 
in 1850. Lynn's appointment to the place was confirmed May 18, 18-50. 

"All enclosures are unidentified newspaper cuttings. 



610 Texas State Historical Association 

bv the influence of the Mexican General Arista. — After a brief 
term of probation, these most valuable Provinces are to be admitted 
to a particiiDation of the advantages arising from an incorpora- 
tion with the Federation of the North. — Such is the language of 
American politicians, and I cannot doubt its earnestness. 

Whatever may be the issue of the Negotiations respecting Ore- 
gon, the United States seem resolved to possess themselves of Up- 
per California. Large parties of armed settlers are proceeding 
thither from the Western and South Western States, and it is 
within my knowledge that a number of the most daring and in- 
telligent Americans in Texas are making arrangements for jour- 
neying, with like purposes, to the same quarter. 

In the meantime, it is hoped that Great Britain's devotion to — 
"peace, at any price," — and the satisfaction with Mr Walker's 
guasi-liheTal Tariff,^* will restrain her action until the United 
States, are prepared, at all points, to contest her supremacy by 
land and sea. 



William Kennedy. 



The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^® 

Private. New Orleans. 

March 27th 1846. 
My Lord, 

The subjoined letters from Galveston reached me this morning 
and I think it right to communicate them to Your Lordship. I 
should mention that Mr. W. D. Miller was General Houston's 
private Secretary and was with him at this place, when the Speech 
in question was delivered. 

Charles Elliot. 
The Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

"Robert John Walker, United States Senator from Mississippi, ap- 
pointed secretary of the treasury by Polk, 1845. He was the author of 
the tariff of 1846, which was considered to have a free trade basis, 
Walker's principle being that no revenue should be raised by import 
duties, not directly needed to meet the expenses of the government. 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 611 

JOHNSON TO ELLIOTT 

To. 

Captain Elliott. Galveston March 24tli 1846. 

My Dear Sir, 

At the request of General Houston I forward to you the Copy 
of a letter^^ written by W. D. Miller, which was intended to be 
published in the "Galveston Civilian" 

Signed. E. D. Johnson 

A. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^^ 

No 1. , Foreign Office. 

April. 3d. 1846. 
Sir, 

I have received your Despatch No 13, of the 15th of February 
<inclosing Copy of a Note addressed to you on the 4th of that 
Month by the Texian Secretary of State in reply to your Note of 
the 4th of January to him on the subject of the continued Treaty 
engagements betwen Great Britian and Texas when the latter 
should have ceased to be an independent State, and also conveying 
a Copy of a Confidential instruction which you had addressed to 
Her Majesty's Consul at Galveston directing him to recommend 
to all British Subjects trading to Galveston to pay under protest 
whatever duties might be required of them subsequently to the 
Annexation of Texas to the United States. 

With regard to this latter point Her Majesty's Government con- 
sider that the general declaration recommended in the first part 
of your instruction is quite sufficient for every useful purpose, 
and that the more detailed protest enjoined in the subsequent 
part of your Letter might, if constantly acted upon, be produc- 
tive of inconvenience. I have therefore to desire that you will 
further confidentially instruct Mr Kennedy not to insist on such 
detailed protest being recorded on the part of British Traders; 
but to confine his recommendations to entering a general protest, 
if such protest should be found necessary. Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment do not desire to incur the risk of an unnecessary controversy 
with the United States on the legal existence, or otherwise, of the 

^^This letter has already been inserted in its proper chronological or- 
der. See ante p. 486. 
"F. 0., Texas, 21. 



612 Texas State Historical Association 

Treaty engagements with Texas, after Texas, shall have been 
merged in the Federal Union, although they considered it desir- 
able to enter their general caveat on that point with the govern- 
ment of Texas, prior to the extinction of the Eepublick. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot. E. N. 

ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT" 

No 2. Foreign Office 

April 3d. 1846. 
Sir, 

Your Despatch No 15 of the 16th of February (received at 
this Office on the 27th Ultimo) having announced to Her Maj- 
esty's Government that the Government of the Eepublick of Texas 
as an independent State would be dissolved on that day, I have 
to state to you that Her Majesty's Government consider your func- 
tions as Her Majesty's Charge d'AfFaires and Consul General to 
the Eepublick of Texas to have ceased by the fact of the dissolu- 
tion of the independence of that State. 

You will accordingly return to England as soon as you may 
find it convenient to do so, and you will bring with you the 
Archives and papers of your Mission, with the exception of such 
as you may deem it right to leave at Galveston for the benefit of 
Her Majesty's Consulate at that place. 

Aberdeen. 
Captain Elliot. E. N. 

EI,LIOT TO ABERDEEN^® 

N'o. 20. New Orleans. 

April 19 1846. 
My Lord, 

No latter tidings from the American force in Tamaulipas have 
reached this place than I have recently forwarded to Mr Paken- 
ham, and requested him to transmit to Your Lordship ; namely of 
the 1st Instant from the Brassos Santiago. Our last dates from 
Galveston are of the 15th Instant, but it is possible that the ac- 

"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. 
"F. 0., Texas, 16. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 613 

counts from General Taylor's Head Quarters may in future come 
sooner, direct to this place or Pensacola, than by the way of Texas. 

There was very tempestuous weather with heary rains between 
the 2d and 6th of this month, as far to the Westward on the 
Coast of Texas as we have yet heard from, and if it extended to 
the Coast of Mexico as far as the Mouth of the Rio Grrande (which 
is probable, being an equinoctial gale) mischance may have be- 
fallen some of the transports, ill provided with ground tackle, 
and insufHciently manned. At all events the difficulty of discharg- 
ing and transporting the Material to General Taylor's position, 
about 24 Miles from Point Isabel, will have been much increased, 
and the advancing Mexican reinforcements will have had more 
time to arrive at Matamoros before the supplies from the Brasses 
Santiago had reached the American force. Their separation from 
their resources has certainly given the Mexicans, particularly if 
they are in the strength reported, a favourable chance of compel- 
ling the invading force to retire rapidly, if not of striking a still 
more decisive blow. 

The TJ. S. Vessel of War "Porpoise" sailed from Pensacola a 
few days since, ostensibly to Haiti, but it has occurred to me that 
her destination may have been Chagres, with instructions to the 
American ISTaval force in the Pacific. 



Charles Elliot. 



To The Right Honourable. 
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 



ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^* 

No. 21. New Orleans. 

April 21, 1846. 
My Lord. 

The accompanying intelligence^^ from the American force in 
Tamaulipas reached this City late last night, and I forward it 
without delay in the hope of catching tlie Mail of the 1st Proximo 
from Boston. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Right Honourable, 
The Ear] of Aberdeen, K. T. 
^'F. O., Texas, 16. 
"TAe New Orleans Daily Picayune, April 21, 1846. 



614 Texas State Historical Association 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 

Secret. New Orleans. 

April 21. 1846. 
My Lord, 

In my despatches from Texas in the early part of 1845 I had 
the honour to communicate to Your Lordship the general scope 
of a strange and dangerous plot against Mexico which it was hoped 
to set on foot through the Government and Legislature of Texas, 

A main feature of that scheme. Your Lordship will perhaps 
remember, was to induce the removed Indians on the Western 
frontier of the United States (Cherokee and other tribes) by 
bribes of land in the outlying Mexican regions legislatively ap- 
propriated by Texas, to press on into New Mexico; and thence 
into California; following up that movement with other emigra- 
tion as circumstances and policy might suggest. 

I have grounds for thinking that this part of the scheme has 
been strenuously urged at Washington, that it has found favour 
with the present administration, and that they are disposed to 
do what they can to carry it out. In fact it seems a treaty has 
been recently concluded between the United States Agents and 
the Camachee and kindred tribes guaranteeing to them large tracts 
of these Mexican regions. The motive for such a compact at 
present is transparent, and I need not suggest to Your Lordship 
that it will not be better respected than any other of these treaties 
when it suits the convenience of other Settlers to replace the In- 
dians, and press them farther on into Mexico. Indeed I may re- 
mark incidentally that a resolution has been passed by the House 
of Representatives at Austin (March 31st) asserting the exclusive 
riglit of the State of Texas to all the soil within the limits of 
the Republic of Texas, refusing to recognize any Indian title in 
those regions, and denying the right of the United States to make 
any treaty of limits with the Indian tribes ranging therein, with- 
out the consent of the Government of the State of Texas. 

It is probable that this resolution was aimed directly at the 
treaty in question, and by that means to compel some satisfactory 
settlement of the Texian debt in exchange for this spoliation of 
Mexican territory 

"F. 0., Texas, 16. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 615 

It is a strong impression in the quarter from which I derive 
this information, that the leaders of the Southern democracy will 
endeavour to defeat the notice by sending it back to the House 
in such a form as will ensure it's rejection there, and he believes 
that a main motive of their desire for the adjustment of the 
present difficulty^^ with Great Britain is to be able to turn with 
more safety and effect to the dismemberment of Mexico. The 
person who has furnished me this information has afforded me 
proofs of fidelity at various times during my Service in Texas, 
and has good means of knowing what is really intended respect- 
ing Mexico, by prominent personages at Washington. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^* 

No. 23. New Orleans. 

April. 25th 1846. 
My Lord, 

I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that a Bill is 
pending at Austin entitled "An Act to ascertain and establish 
the public debt, and to define how the same is to be paid." 

It had not passed at the last accounts but I think it may be 
convenient at once to report the principles on which it is pro- 
posed to make adjustments, and generally all that has yet tran- 
spired concerning the disposition of the public lands claimed by 
the Eepublic of Texas. 

With that view I have the honour to forward a newspaper of 
yesterday's date'-^-'' in which the subject is succinctly exhibited, and 
I would also submit to Your Lordship's notice, in the same news- 
paper, a letter written by General James Hamilton to General 
Burleson of Texas. 

I have no knowledge of the nature of the communication of the 
Texian Commissioners to Her Majesty's Government during the 
Negotiations in England, preceding the treaty of 1840, or of any 

"The controversy over the Oregon boundary was thought at this time 
to threaten war between the United States and Great Britain. 
="F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 
'^The New Orleans Commercial Bulletin, April 24, 1846. 



616 Texas State Historical Association 

subsequent cominiinications from them in Your Lordship's pos- 
session, but I conclude that the point of possible Annexation to 
the United States must have received attention at that time. 
There could hardl}'- have been any failure of earnest assurances by 
the Commissioners, of the capacity and steady purpose of Texas 
to maintain her independence, and it is possible there may be 
much similarity between the argumentation to Her Majesty's Gov- 
ernment in 1840, in support of the acknowledgment, and to the 
people of Texas in 1844, in recommendation of the sacrifice of 
that independence. 

I think Your Lordship will also pause upon the paragraph re- 
specting the difficulties which might ha.ve ensued respecting Mexi- 
can obligations to British Subjects, in part security for which, as 
is correctly stated by General Hamilton, many millions of acres 
of the domain claimed by Texas had been mortgaged to the Mexi- 
can bond holders. But the acknowledgment of the independence 
of Texas by Great Britain was simply and singly the admission 
of what was solemnly declared by Texas to be a fact, and which 
it was believed upon the faith of that declaration would remain a 
fact; namely, that Texas had, and would preserve a Sovereign, 
separate, and independent existence. The limits of Texas were 
not a matter of question, and the acknowledgment of independ- 
ence had no connexion with, or bearing upon the public debt of 
Mexico to British Subjects, and the inherent liability of all the 
territoiy constituting Mexico at the period of the contract of those 
debts, to a fair share of the responsibility for them. If every 
State in Mexico, one after the other, had declared their independ- 
ence, the public debt of Mexico would still remain to be adjusted, 
and with the debt, the justice and necessity that each Member 
should assume it's proportion of the charge. 

It is altogether shadowy to hint that when Texas agreed to 
hold herself responsible for a certain amount of the Mexican debt, 
if Mexico consented to aclmowledge her independence within a 
specified period, that Great Britain by being a party to that ar- 
rangement consented to forego all claim upon the territory 
claimed by Texas (four fifths of which liave never been in her 
possession) if Mexico did not acknowledge the independence within 
that period. As I understand that subject, that w^as a specific 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 617 

agreement in the event of the occurrence of a given state of 
things, a definite settlement of the proposition for which Texas 
was to be responsible, in that state of things. If it did not ob- 
tain matters reverted to their former attitude. 

That agreement too was necessarily made with reference to the 
territory in the actual occupation of the Texians, for I am of 
course perfectly aware that Her Majesty's Government never at- 
tached any weight to the extravagant territorial pretensions of 
the Republic of Texas. The legislative branches of that Govern- 
ment involved, as Your Lordship Joiows, the whole territory to 
the line of the Pacific, between the parallels of the Mouth of the 
Eio Grande and the 43 of North Latitude. It can hardly be 
pretended in any quarter that the approval of their President 
would have completed a title to those limits, yet in point of fact 
there is no better title to the immense regions now claimed, than 
one word more, and another signature. Texas might as justly 
have annexed the Country to the Isthmus of Darien as to the Eio 
Grande and upwards to 43 N. ; and the pretensions of the United 
States founded upon the law of Texas, or upon any other pretext, 
to those regions, followed by force, are undisguiseable violations 
of treaty, and invasion of the Mexican territory 

The sacrifices of the separate existence, and independence of 
Texas are sacrifices of those particular things by the people in the 
actual occupation of a particular territory, not a warrant for the 
invasion and further spoliation of Mexico by another power, and 
still less a discharge of the obligations and liens upon territory 
as completely free of control by Texas as the Coast of California. 
General Houston [Hamilton?] in his letter appears to have rea- 
soned for the benefit of the Creditors of the Eepublic of Texas 
respecting debts contracted by that Eepublic, on the doctrine that 
the existing Sovereignty is responsible for the debts of the former. 

That no doubt is a sound principle, but it may be remarked 
that there is a difference between the former and inherent liabili- 
ties of the territory constituting Texas, and the liabilities con- 
tracted by the Government of that Eepublic. Both the first and 
the last remain to be provided for, but the last, so far as the 
people of Texas are concerned, are subject to the effect of an 
express stipulation between the irnited States and the Eepublic 
of Texas, that the former shall under no pretext be liable for 



618 Texas State Historical Association 

them. The contract between these parties is, that Texas shall 
keep the debts of the Eepublic, and that the United States shall 
leave Texas her domain, necessarily not defining the limits of that 
domain, which the United States had no more title or power to 
do than to define the domain of Guatemala. The United States, 
also, with the permission of Texas, reserved the exclusive right of 
making and concluding treaties of limits. 

Her Majesty's Government are aware that Mexico would never 
have concluded a definitive treaty of peace with Texas, unless Texas 
had agreed in the final treaty to such money stipulations as would 
have partially compensated Mexico for being left with the whole 
burden of obligations contracted by the Confederacy of which 
Texas formed part of the domain. Charles Elliot. 

To The Right Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^® 

No. 23. New Orleans. 

My Lord, May 1st 1846. 

1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lord- 
ship's despatches No 1 and 9 of this year. 

The inclosure is the Copy of a letter which I have written to 
Mr Consul Kennedy in pursuance of the instructions in Your 
Lordship's despatch No 1. 

I proceed to New York this evening and shall repair to Eng- 
land from thence with all convenient dispatch. 

Charles Elliot. 
To the Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

ELLIOT TO KENNEDY^'^ 

[Enclosure.]. 

Copy. 
Charles Elliot. New Orleans. 

Sir, May 1. 1846. 

Having reference to tlie Confidential letter which I left you on 

"F. O., Texas, Vol. 16. This was the last letter to Aberdeen written 
by Elliot while in America, as charge d'affaires to Texas. 
"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 619 

the 16tli February last, I have now to acquaint you that I have 
had the honour to receive a despatch from The Earl of Aberdeen 
dated on the 3d Ultimo, directing me to instruct you, confidenti- 
ally, to confine your advice to British Subjects at your Consulate 
who may consult you upon the subject of payment of duties, to 
the general declaration recommended in the first part of my in- 
structions, and to omit any advice to make the more detailed pro- 
test recommended in the following part of those instructions. 

To prevent misconception I recite below the portion of my 
former instructions to which you are now directed to confine your- 
self in any advice that may be sought of you upon this point, by 
British Subjects trading at your Consulate. 

"If he" (the Master) "should find that he is permitted to enter 
under any other Authority than that of some existing revenue or 
navigation law of the Eepublic of Texas you will advise him to 
state that he had arrived here to trade under the treaty of Com- 
merce and Navigation between Her Majesty The Queen of Great 
Britain and Ireland and the Eepublic of Texas, signed at Lon- 
don Novr. 13th. 1840, and whereof ratifications were exchanged 
at London June 28th 184S, that he claims the rights, privileges, 
liberties, favours, immunities, and exemptions secured to H. M. 
Subjects trading in Texas under that treaty, and enters protest 
against all proceedings taken, or to be taken contrary thereto, 
as respects the Ship, of which he is Master and the goods of her 
lading." 

(Signed) Charles Elliot. 

[Endorsed] Inclosure in Captain Elliot's despatch to the Earl 
of Aberdeen N'o. 83. 

N'ew Orleans, May 1, 1846. 

To William Kennedy Esquire. 

H. B. M. Consul. 

Galveston 

ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^® 

36 Wilton Cresent 
% I^ord, June 18th. 1846. 

I have the honour to report that I arrived here on the 16th 
Instant. 

='F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 



620 Texas State Histoncal Association 

Deprived of rti)'' post by circumstances in Your Lordship's 
knowledge, I beg to express my readiness, and I hope I may add 
my earnest desire for early re-employment, for I have no fortune, 
and a large family entirely dependant upon me. So far as my 
Services and career may properly derive advantage from a very 
kind as well as just estimation by the Head of the Department 
under which I have had the honour to serve for the last 12 years, 
I certainly submit this application to Your Lordship with feel- 
ings of perfect confidence. 

Charles Elliott. 
To the Eight Honourable. 

The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 

KENNEDY TO PALMERSTON^^ 

Private. 24. Eue de Villiers 

Neuilly, Paris. 
March 27th. 1847. 
My Lord, 

I have the honor to submit to your Lordship the following ex- 
tracts from a communication which I have recently received from 
a Correspondent at Galveston. The writer, is a native of North 
Carolina — of the Democratic party — and a professor of liberal 
opinions in regard to trade. He has filled situations of trust in 
Texas, and is, I doubt not, a faithful echo of persons well-in- 
formed, with respect to the Matters to which he adverts. — As to 
the war with Mexico, he observes. 

. . . "'I do not believe we shall end the War short of the 
occupation of the City of Mexico by our troops, or of clearly 
manifesting that its occupancy is, beyond all doubt, within our 
power. When we do this, we shall be enabled to demand and 
secure a peace on such terms as will be both honourable and 

=°F. 0., America, Vol. 476. After the Texan Republic ceased to exist, 
British consular correspondence from the state was classified under F. 
0. America. This correspondence has been examined for further ma- 
terial on the Texan Republic, but the letter here printed is the only one 
foimd. It is to be noted that Kennedy is here writing to Palmerston. 
who has replaced Aljerdeen at the foreiqn office, so that Kennedy's im- 
plied reflection on Aberdeen's policy is not in itself proof that Kennedy 
had desired Great Britain to pursue a more vigorous policy in the years 
1841-1846. Nevertheless, it is probably true that Kennedy always re- 
garded Aberdeen's policy in Texas as over cautious. 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 621 

just — And not before. — In making peace, I presume the Govern- 
ment will insist on, and exact, full indemnification for the expenses 
of the war, and that the compensation will be in territory South 
of Oregon and the Eio Grande." 

He thus notices the prospects of a liberal Commercial policy 
in Congress. 

. . . "The factious party spirit — to call it by no more op- 
probrious a name — Manifested by prominent Members of the Whig 
party in the United States, relative to the war, is discreditable 
to us as a Nation. — A spirit almost as censurable, is also mani- 
fested by a portion of the Democratic party in opposing the levy- 
ing of certain Moderate duties on foreign Articles, (now ad- 
mitted free of duties) until the establishment of peace. You are 
aware of my warm advocacy, as an American politician, of the 
freest possible commercial intercourse of my Country with the 
world. One of the most essential differences, as you know, of 
the two great parties in this Country is in reference to the wis- 
dom and policy of Government in this respect. The Manufac- 
turers of the United States have been, and still are, attempting 
to exercise the same power and control in causing to be protected 
by Government their interests that the landholders in Great 
Britain have so long profited by, in the protection afforded them 
by the existence of your Corn Laws. Necessity, added to the ex- 
perience of an enlightened public, has, at length, caused this prin- 
ciple to be abobshed in England. I ardently hope its downfall 
is permanent, as the new System not only affords greater benefits 
to much the largest number of British Subjects, but to Britain 
herself as a nation, and to the civilized World generally, — especi- 
ally the United States, by the sale of her surplus bread stuffs 
etc. — Indeed one of the principal causes of our success in being 
enabled to adopt a system of ad valorem revenue duties, was the 
enactment of your liberal Tariff. Those in this Country with 
whom I concur in political opinion have never since 1817 until 
the last Congress been enabled to pass a Tariff for Eevenue pur- 
poses without admitting tlie principle of fostering, by protection, 
the interests of our Manufacturers. — And — I regret to say — that 
it is very questionable whether that Tariff, will be sustained by 
a Majority of the Nation at the next Presidential election. The 



623 Texas State Historical Association 

recent Whig Majorities in the large and influential States of 
Pennsylvania and New York give the advocates of untrammelled 
intercourse cause for apprehension and alarm. — I am certain that 
nothing will be left undone by the Manufacturers which can be 
accomplished by them to fix upon the United States, as a perma- 
nent system, this unjust taxation — a taxation which affords a 
bounty to one part of the community and entails an impoverish- 
ing result upon the other." 

So much for my correspondent: for my own part, I have never 
regarded the existing Tariff of the United States as any thing 
more than a bait for the Calhoun Section and — above all — as a 
sop to quiet Great Britain during the Annexation of Texas and the 
dismemberment of Mexico. I have officially recorded, for the 
satisfaction of my conscience, my conviction that the policy which 
reconciled the Union to the acquisition of Texas was the exten- 
sion of the home-market — or what may be termed the home-mar- 
ket — and an Anti-European Tariff. We might have prevented 
Annexation — such at least is my opinion — without a war — not 
having done so, we must prepare for its consequences. — Aggres- 
sion against British ISTorth America it seems not too much to an- 
ticipate as among probable Contingencies, should the general state 
of affairs be favourable, and an American Army amounting to 
fifty or sixty thousand men return home flushed with the subjuga- 
tion of Mexico. 

At the period of the Annexation of Texas, it occurred to me 
that European Powers might some day take advantage of the 
precedent. From what I now see, it seems to me perfectly clear 
that the four great Continental States will act more closely than 
heretofore upon a similar System. — Even at present, how few of 
the Minor States have more than a qimsi independent existence ! — . 
Policy propels, and necessity may propel, some of these States 
towards the Shores of the Mediterranean, and there English in- 
terests demand vigilance as keen and action yet more direct and 
peremptory than even in North America. I venture to advert to 
these points with a full recollection of Your Lordship's States- 
manship in 1841— which had then — and has, (more intelligently) 
now, the cordial admiration of one whose judgment may be of 
little weight but is, at all events, unbiassed and independent. In 



British Correspondence Concerning Texas 623 

opposition to prevailing opinion at the time, my regret was that 
more had not been done in the same direction. Whj should not 
we attach the Arabs to our Standard — looking to the inevitable 
war— and by Colonizing thinly settled islands relieve our people 
and, ultimately, perhaps, enlarge the basis of the domestic empire ? 
But I crave pardon for placing these disjointed thoughts before 
Your Lordship— the emanation of Moments which sickness ren- 
dered solitary. 

William Kennedy. 
Viscount Palmerston. G, C. B. 



CORRIGENDA 

P. 317, "Kennedy to Aberdeen'" should read "Kennedy to 
Elliot." 

P. 319, note 7, should read "See ante pp. 202-204/" 

P. 435, note 7, should read "See ante p. 349, note 8." 

P. 460, first line at top, for "removal" read renewal. 

P. 463, note 40, should read "See ante p. 445, note 20." 

P. 476, the reference at end of note 5 should read "See ante 
p. 435 seq." 

P. 531, the reference at end of note 14 should read "See pp. 
506-508." 

P. 556, the reference at end of note 16 should read "See p. 
557, Note 18.'" 

P. 557. The last sentence of despatch from Kennedy to Aber- 
deen, No. 28, is confused. The lines should be read in following 
order: 1, 3, 2, 4, etc. 

P. 585, the reference at end of note 24 should read "See ante 
p. 565." 

P. 611, the reference at end of note 16 should read "See ante 
p. 486." 

References to "The Quarterly" in every case have reference to 
the "Southwestern Historical Quarterly," published by the Texas 
State Historical Association, Austin, Texas. 



Index 



637 



AUTHORS 



Aberdeen, Earl of: 

27 May, 1842 63-64 

27 May, 1842 64 

31 May, 1842 65 

31 May, 1842 65 

1 July, 1842 78-80 

1 July, 1842 80-81 

1 July, 1842 81 

1 July, 1842 81-83 

1 July, 1842 84-86 

15 July, 1842 90 

16 July, 1842 91-92 

29 September, 1842 108-109 

29 September, 1842 109-110 

3 October, 1842 110 

3 October, 1842 110-111 

3 October, 1842 Ill 

18 October, 1842 114 

3 November, 1842 124-125 

3 December, 1842 135 

18 May, 1843 194-195 

30 May, 1843 199-200 

3 June, 1843 200-202 

3 June, 1843 202 

18 August, 1843 250 

18 September, 1843 263 

3 January, 1844 291-292 

11 January, 1844 295 

31 January, 1844 297 

31 December, 1844 404-407 

31 December, 1844 407 

23 January,, 1845 428-433 

3 February, 1845 437 

3 February, 1845 437-438 

3 April, 1845 472-473 

3 May, 1845 481-484 

3 May, 1845 484-485 

3 June, 1845 493-494 

3 July, 1845 508-510 

17 July, 1845 551-552 

18 July, 1845 552-553 

3 December, 1845 562 

3 April, 1846 611-612 

3 April, 1846 612 

Addington, H. U. : 

24 May, 1842 63 

28 June, 1842 78 



Addington, H. U. — continued. 

31 August, 1842 99-100 

3 October, 1843- 267 

18 April, 1845 478 

Allen, Ebenezer: 

13 December, 1844 474-476 

Bankhead, Charles: 

29 November, 1844 433-436 

8 April, 1845 476-478 

20 May, 1845 487-488 

29 June, 1845 506-507 

29 June, 1845 507-508 

Bourgeois d'Orvanne, A. : 

30 August, 1844 368-369 

Canning, Charles John: 

14 December, 1841 50-51 

Crawford, Joseph T.: 

9 February, 1837 3 

24 March, 1837 3-4 

13 May, 1837 5-8 

29 May, 1837 9-16 

5 June, 1837 4 

Doyle, Percy W. : 

20 April, 1843 183-184 

27 May, 1843 220-221 

Elliot, Charles: 

6 December, 1841 50 

14 August, 1842 93-94 

29 August, 1842 95-99 

1 September, 1842 100 

4 September, 1842 101 

4 September, 1842 101 

4 September, 1842 101-102 

4 September, 1842 102 

4 September, 1842 103 

4 September, 1842 104 

10 September, 1842 104-105 

13 September, 1842 105-107 

17 September, 1842 107-108 

22 September, 1842 108 

10 October, 1842 111-112 

17 October, 1842 112-114 



628 



Index 



Elliot, Charles — continued. 

18 October, 1842 118-119 

19 October. 1842 116 

20 Octoter, 1842 114-115 

20 October. 1842 116-118 

2 November, 1842 121-124 

l.-) November, 1842 125-130 

16 Noveml)er. 1842 131 

24 Novemlwr, 1842 133-135 

11 December, 1842 135-141 

14 December, 1842 141-142 

16 December. 1842 142-145 

28 December, 1842 145-148 

5 January. 1843 149-150 

15 January, 1843 150 

23 January, 1843 150-153 

28 January, 1843 154-156 

4 February, 1843 157 

4 February, 1843 157-161 

5 February, 1843 162-164 

26 March, 1843 165-169 

29 March, 1843 169-170 

14 April, 1843 172-178 

15 April, 1843 171-172 

25 April, 1843 178-180 

29 April. 1843 180 

7 May, 1843 184-185 

9 May, 1843 180-183 

12 May, 1843 186 

29 May, 1843 198-199 

8 June, 1843 205-207 

10 June, 1843 219 

21 June, 1843 221 

21 June, 1843.' 222-223 

21 June, 1843 224-227 

22 June, 1843 221-222 

24 June, 1843 224 

4 July, 1843 227-228 

13 July, 1843 233 

15 July, 1843 228-229 

16 July, 1843 235 

29 July, 1843 235-236 

30 July, 1843 241-244 

2 August, 1843 236-238 

2 August, 1843 244 

3 August, 1843 236 

23 August, 1843 251-252 

28 August, 1843 253-254 

5 September, 1843 253 

264-267 

10 October, 1843 267-268 

10 October, 1843 268-270 

31 October, 1843 271-278 

13 November, 1843 278-279 

29 November, 1843 279-280 



Elliot, Charles — continued. 

29 November, 1843 280-281 

29 November. 1843 282-283 

2 December, 1843 283-286 

8 December, 1843 287-288 

29 December, 1843 288 

29 December, 1843 289 

31 December. 1843 289-291 

15 J'anuarv. 1844 295-297 

10 February, 1844 297-298 

10 February, 1844 298-299 

17 FebruarV, 1844 299-300 

7 March. 'l844 300 

15 March, 1844 301-302 

22 March, 1844 308-310 

27 March, 1844 302-304 

3 April, 1844 312-315 

7 April, 1844 304-308 

10 May, 1844 323-325 

20 May, 1844 325 

22 June, 1844 342-343 

10 July, 1844 349-350 

13 August, 1844 353 

28 October, 1844 372 

13 November, 1844 379 

10 December. 1844 391-393 

21 December, 1844 393-396 

25 December, 1844 396 

28 December, 1844 397-400 

29 December, 1844 400-403 

2 January, 1845 407-408 

14 January, 1845 411-428 

15 January, 1845 408-410 

15 January, 1845 410 

8 February, 1845 438-441 

8 February, 1845 441-442 

8 February, 1845 442-445 

15 Febi-uary, 1845 445-447 

17 February, 1845 448-449 

22 February. 1845 449 

24 February, 1845 449-450 

6 March, 'l845 453-458 

7 March, 1845 459 

22 March, 1843 460-461 

24 March, 1845 461 

2 April, 1845 462-470 

30 May, 1845 491-943 

31 May, 1845 491-493 

1 1 June, 1845 498-500 

11 June, 1845 501-504 

12 June. 1845 495-497 

13 June, 1845 535-536 

15 June, 1845 504-505 

3 July, 1845 511-512 

3 July. 1845 513-516 

28 July, 1845 518-521 



Index 



639 



Elliot, Charles — continued. 

30 July, 1845 526-528 

8 August, 1845 532-535 

12 August, 1845 528-530' 

13 August, 1845 531-532 

15 August, 1845 535 

22 August, 1845 536-538 

31 August, 1845 543-547 

31 August, 1845 547 

13 September, 1845 550 

14 September, 1845 551 

29 September, 1845 553-554 

30 September, 1845 554-555 

6 October, 1845 555-556 

14 November, 1845 557-560 

26 November, 1845 560-561 

14 December, 1845 565-566 

14 Deceml>er, 1845 566-567 

24 December, 1845 572-573 

5 January, 1846 574-575 

8 JiiTiuary, 1846 575-576 

8 January, 1846 576-581 

13 January, 1846 581 

15 January, 1846 582-583 

18 January, 1846 583-585 

20 January, 1846 585-589 

23 January. 1846 589 

26 January. 1846 590 

26 January, 1846 590-592 

1 February, 1846 592-594 

15 February, 1846 594 

15 February, 1846 594-596 

16 February, 1846 597-598 

16 February, 18.46 598 

16 February, 1846 598-603 

4 March, 1846 607 

10 March, 1846 607-608 

14 March, 1846 608 

27 March, 1846 610 

19 April, 1846 612-613 

21 April. 1846 613 

21 April. 1846 614-615 

25 April, 1846 615-618 

1 May, 1846 618 

I May, 1846 6>8-619 

18 June, 1846 619-620 

Hamilton, James: 

20 February, 1842 58 

4 March, 1842 58 

25 March, 1842 59-61 

Hamilton, Joseph: 

23 June, 1840 16-17 

Hamilton, M. C. 

21 March, 1843 188-189 



Hill. G. W.: 

29 July, 1843 239-241 

Hockley, Gtorge W. : 

14 November, 1845 567-568 

Hook, James : 

30 April, 1841 29-39 

Houston, Sam: 

28 January, 1842 57 

1 February, 1842 603-607 

5 November. 1842 131-132 

24 January. 1843 163-164, 213 

23 March," 1843 189-191 

13 May, 1843 208-213 

Johnson, R. D. : 

24 March, 1846. . .. 611 

Jones, Anson: 

25 March, 1844 310-312 

31 March, 1845 461-462 

6 June, 1845 497-498 

Kennedy, William: 

12 October, 1841 43-44 

20 October, 1841 45-46 

6 November, 1841 46-47 

9 November, 1841 48 

12 November, 1841 48-49 

13 November, 1841 49-50 

16 November. 1841 50 

10-12 January, 1842 51-55 

28 January, 1842 55-57 

8 March, 1842 58-59 

20 April, 1842 61-63 

3 June, 1842 66 

7 June, 1842 66 

8 June, 1842 67-68 

15 June. 1842 69 

2 July, 1842 86-87 

6 July, 1842 87-88 

7 July, 1842 88-89 

14 July, 1842 89-90 

1 August, 1842 93 

25 August, 1842 95 

24 October, 1842 120 

27 October, 1842 120-121 

16 November, 1842 131 

31 December, 1842 149 

11 February, 1843 165 

29 March, '1843 170-171 

15 May, 1843 187-188 

15 May, 1843 191-192 

15 May, 1843 192-193 

22 M&v, 1843 195-196 



630 



Index 



Kennedy, William — continued. 

5 June, 1843 202-204 

7 June. 1843 204 

!> June, 1943 214 

6 August, 1843 245-24P 

22 August, 1843 250 

23 August. 1843 251 

29 August. 1843 252 

5 September, 1843 254-261 

6 September, 1843 261-263 

23 September, 1843 263-264 

11 October, 1843 270-271 

13 November, 1843 279 

2 January, 1844 292-293 

5 January. 1844 292 

8 January, 1844 293-295 

18 April, 1844 316-317 

18 April. 1844 317 

6 May, 1844 321-322 

7 May. 1844 322-323 

8 May. 1844 319-321 

10 May, 1844 323 

25 May, 1844 326-328 

27 May, 1844 326 

27 May. 1844 328-330 

29 May. 1844 330-333 

31 May, 1844 333-335 

11 June, 1844 335-336 

14 June, 1844 336-338 

18 June, 1844 338-342 

8 July, 1844 343-344 

8 July, 1844 344 

8 July, 1844 346-349 

29 July, 1844 350-352 

29 July, 1844 353 

14 August, 1844 354-355 

24 August, 1844 355-356 

9 September. 1844 356-362 

9 September, 1844 362-363 

23 September, 1844 364-366 

24 September, 1844 367-368 

26 September, 1844 367 

30 September, 1844 369-370 

2 October, 1844 370-371 

24 October, 1844 371-372 

29 October, 1844 373-375 

30 October, 1844 375-376 

12 November, 1844 377-379 

5-21 December, 1844 379-385 

6 December, 1844 385-386 

6 December, 1844 391 

25 February, 1845 450-451 

26 February, 1845 451-453 

3 April, 1845 473-476 

25 April, 1845 479-481 



Kennedy, William — continued. 

21 May, 1845 490-491 

30 May, 1845 493 

10 June, 1845 494-495 

24 June, 1845 506 

24 July, 1845 516-518 

28 July, 1845 521-522 

23 August, 1845 542-543 

6 September, 1845. . 548-550 

16 October, 1845 556-557 

8 December, 1845 562-565 

20 December, 1845 568-570 

31 December, 1845 573 

16 March, 1846 609-610 

27 March, 1847 620-623 

Lusignan, Thaddeus di: 

12 April, 1844 315-316 

6 May, 1844 317-319 

McLeod, H.: 

26 November, 1843 281 

Maillard, Nicholas: 

15 September, 1840 27-28 

Miller, W. D. : 

9 May, 1845 486 

Moore, E. W.: 

19 April, 1843 193-194 

Neapean, Evan: 

24 July, 1841 39-42 

Palmerston, Viscount : 

4 August, 1841 42-43 

Power. Charles : 

20 June, 1842 70-71 

20 June, 1842 72-78 

7 July, 1842 71 

Rushton, W. : 

7 MarcTi, 1844 - 301 

Ruthven, A. S., et al : 

8 July, 1844 344-346 

Sheridan, Francis C: 

12 July, 1840 18-26 

Solms, Charles, Prince of: 

3 December, 1844 386-390 

Ward and Ingram et al : 

24 September, 1842 115-116 

Woll, Adrian: 

16 July, 1843 238-239 

Yates, A. J.: 

12 July, 1843 229-232 

15 Julv. 1843 234 



Index 



631 



II 
SUBJECTS 



Andrews, S. P.. abolitionist, 167-168,229 

230, 261. 
Annexation, attitude of Texans chanaed. 
12-13, 14, 25, 53, 210, 225; desired bv 
U. S., 48, 53, 143, 163, 262, 271, 320': 
Secretary Upshur proposes, 271-272: 
Clay opposes, 289-291; strained re- 
lations between Texas and Mexico 
foster annexation sentiment, 54, 56 
62-63. 60, 71. 72, 144. 156, 163, 195^ 
208-211; Texan resolution concernino 
annexation, 148, 292, 297, 305: treaty 
of annexation, 299; special mission 
sent to U. S., 301-302; Great Britain 
inquires about mission, 309-310: fail- 
ure of treaty, 342; peace with Mexico 
or annexation to U. S., 311-312. 394; 
annexation propaganda irritates Mex- 
ico, 313, 392; policy of Great Britain 
toward annexation, 428-433; restate- 
ment of policy, 481-486; action of 
ninth congress, 438-439, 441; opposi- 
tion to, 449, 459; effect of the news of 
the adoption of the resolutions favor- 
ing annexation, 460; steps taken by 
British and French charges to coun- 
teract move of United States. 462-471 • 
vote on, 558-559, 583-585, 587-588. 
Archer, Branch T., favors invasion of 

Mexico, 474, 562. 
Arista, General, plans of, 456-457. 
Army of Texas., its size, 11. 

Bancroft, George, advocate of annex- 
ation, 367. 

Beales, John Charles, land claims of. 
157-161. 

Benton, Thomas H., on westward ex- 
tension, 570-572. 

Blockade of Mexican ports by Texas, not 
enforced, 66, 81-83, 96, 99; certain ex- 
ceptions, 90, 94, 96; is revoked, 105, 
107, 132; ignored by Great Britain, 

Bourgeois d'Orvanne, A., colonization 
contract, 368; is, a fraud, 369, 371-372 
Burnley, A. T., 30. 

California, designs of United States 
upon, 505, 515, 568. 

Civilian and Galveston City Gazette, 
given praise, 224, 439; supporter of 
Sam Houston, 376; opposed to annex- 
ation, 449. 



ooi ^''"*'^^' opposes annexation, 289- 
^91; on Whig success, 349; chancres 
position on annexation, 364; opposed 
to European colonization of Texas 
oo8. ' 

^lo^Ms'Tsr*'*''"*'' '''■'^"''^"^^ ^^^-e'-^e 

Constitution of 1845, vote on, 548 
Convention of 1845, list of members. 539 
541. ' 

ton. 195, 197. 

Corpus Christi, trade of, 5, 336; British 
S , S^'-' 227-228. 263: newspaper 

. published there in 1846, 608; Indian 
raid upon. 336. 348, 350. 

*^\"°"' f «'»t.^' 17; yield, 18; crop of 
l»'57, 6, 7; exports in 1838, 19; in- 
crease in production of, 70, 73-77- cron 
of 1843. 266; freight rate on, to Eng 
land, 198. ^ 

Cozumel island, speculations, 245-249 
251. ' 

Crawford, Joseph T., visit to Texnas 3-4 • 
report, 4-16. 

Crisp, Downing H., some facts concern- 
ing, 287. 

Crops, Texas, damaged by Aveather, 124- 
good, 366. 

Daingerfield, William H.. to be recalled, 
451. 

Dart, Christopher, an associate of Mun- 
roe Edwards, 256. 

Donelson, A. J., arrival in Texas, 375, 
377, 383; visit to Xew Orleans. 385- 
to leave Texfas as soon as United 
States troops arrive, 517; departed for 
New Orleans, 543. 

Declaration on part of Great Britain 
and France to secure recognition of 
Texas independence by Mexico, and" on 
part of Texas to remain independent, 
485-486. 

Eaton, Rev. Mr., rector of Protestant 
Episcopal church in Galveston, 112. 

Edwards, Munroe, slave trader, 256-257, 

Eliza Russell, claims against Texas for,' 
84-86, 104; early settlement. 137, 142. 
149. 

Elliot, Cliarles, appointed British Consul 
general to Tex-as, 42. 50, 51, 103; in- 
structions, 63, 64-65; is appointed 



032 



Index 



British charge of Texas, 43, 78, 101, 
104; instructions, 79-80; arrived at 
New Orleans, 93-94; reception in 
Texas, 95-99; asks permission to re- 
side at Galveston, 100, 135; intercedes 
for Andrew Neill, 117-119; lines alon<? 
which Texas ought to be reshaped, 
128; criticises President Houston's 
financial plans, 138-140; requests per- 
mission to spend summer in Kentucky, 
186-103; transmits important letter 
from President Houston. 205-207; 
urges Doyle to prevail on Santa Anna 
to make" peace with Texas. 222-227; 
commends President Houston's opposi- 
tion to Yucatan expedition, 223 ; is 
denied transfer to some other post, 
267 ; hopes Mexico will make abolition 
of slavery a sine qua non to recog- 
nition of Texan independence, 2G8-270: 
visited New Orleans for his health. 
289, 291; is ill, 300-301; will go to 
springs in Virginia, 325; ready to re- 
turn to Texas, 342, 350; visits Paken- 
ham lat Was'hingion, 353: arrived at 
Galveston, 383; suggests residing in 
United States during recess of con- 
gress, 442-445; permission granted. 
472-473; requested by President Jones 
to visit Mexico, 461-462. 464-469; re- 
turn to Texas, 492, 498-504; will visit 
tlie United States. 496. 503; delayed 
by illness, 504, 506; Bankhead op- 
posed to Elliot's leaving his post, 507- 
508; Elliot's defense, 531-534: Aber- 
deen criticises Elliot's visiting Mexico, 
and his going to the United States, 
508-510, 552-553; Elliot defends his 
course, 518-521, 555-556, 57G-581; di- 
rected to return to Texas, 562; arrival 
in Texas. 581; departs for New Or- 
leans, 598; directed to return to Eng- 
land, 612; arrives at home, 619-620. 
Evans, L. D., protests against inviting 
United States troops into Texas, 550^ 

Franco-Texian bill, 45, 46, 54. 

French immigrants, not successful, 357 

Galan, , bearer of despatches, 354- 

355. 
Galveston, rapid growth of, 32; yellow 

fever in 1844, 351-352, 353; Protestant 

P^piscopal church destroyed, 112. 
Galveston Bay, description and trade of, 

in 1837, 7 ; inaccuracy of charts of, 

293-295. 



German immigrants, successful, 356; 
victims of yellow fever, 359; arrivals 
of, 384, 385, 565, 573-574. 

Grayson, P. W., 10, 14. 

Great Britain, attitude toward slavery 
in Texas, 205-206, 211, 228-229, 229- 
234; consul for Texas, 17, 18-26 36-39, 
70-71, 116; flag insulted by Mexicans, 
:^78. 279, 280, 281, 282-283; flag not 
to be displayed by consul, 326-328; 
subjects, list of, 116. 340; fare poorly 
as immigrants, 168-169; treaty with 
Texas to be binding notwithstanding 
annexation, 594-596, 611-612. 

Green, Duff, United States consul at 
Galveston. 370-379; suported Burleson 
for president, 371; visit to Prince 
Solms. 386-388; urges invasion of Mex- 
ico, 386-388, 392; specizlations as to 
his mission to Texas, 401-403, 409-410; 
an antagonist of Jackson and Hous- 
ton, 401; exequature revoked, 407; 
visit to H. L. Kinney, 442; president 
of the Texas Trading, Mining and 
Emigrating Company, 448. 
Green, Thomas Jefferson, concerning the 
British flag taken at Mier, 280-281; 
advocates invasion of Mexico, 562. 

Hamilton, James, negotiated treaties 
with Great Britain, 30; delays rati- 
fication of, 55; in disfuTor, 56; with- 
draws recommendation of Kennedy, 
58; denounces Kennedy and Houston, 
59-60; Kennedy replies, 62; Houston 
disavows him, 137 : advocates annex- 
ation, 381. 

Hamilton, Joseph, reports on commerce 
of Texas, 16-17. 

Hefford, James T., recommended for 
British consul at Matagorda, 115. 

Henderson, J. Pinckney, secretary of 
state, 10; minister to Gre&t Britain, 
14, 17, 29, 84; on special mission to 
United States, 301-302; disobeyed in- 
structions in negotiating treaty with 
United States. 398. 

Hockley, George W., commissioner, 243, 
267; blames Houston for failure of 
mission, 339; opposed to annexation, 
339-341, 566-567; colonization in Gua- 
temala, 567-568. 

Hook, James, advocates extension of 
British commerce to, and abolition of 
slavery in Texas, 29-39. 



Inde:i 



633 



Houston, Sam, president. 10; Indian 
policy, 11, 140-141, 174: regrets ex- 
istence of slavery, 206; opposed to 
slave smuggling, 13-14: favorable to 
French interests, 45, 46: favoral)le to 
annexation, 48; denounced by Hamil- 
ton. 59; Mexican policy, 97-9S, 106- 
107; policy indorsed by Aberdeen. 111. 
and by Elliot, 121; proposes an armis- 
tice to Mexico, 98, 106; veto of bill 
extending boundaries of Texas. 603- 
607 ; characterization of. by Elliot 
125-126, 138-140, 503; requests Elliot's 
service in bringing about peace with 
Mexico, 132, 137; disavows Hamilton, 
137; has confidence in England's neu- 
trality, 136, 162; his incapacity to 
deal with fiscal matters, 138-140, 397 : 
'his vetoes overridden. 152, 155, 161 ; 
views as to Texas independence and 
annexation, 102, 173, 208-211. 272-278: 
has great influence, 175; his explana- 
tion of the course observed by the 
United States toward Texas. 208-211: 
unpopular on account of his moderate 
. policy toward Mexico, 226, 237, 243 ; 
Mexicans slight Houston, 244; his 
course relative to treaty of annex- 
ation, 304-308; Jackson's influence 
suspected, 320, 335, 341-342, 364; 
Houston blamed by Williams and 
Hockley for failure of their mission. 
339; visit to East Texas, 362, 367: 
visit to Indians, 370. 376; resides on 
Trinity, 376, 378; some cbaraeteri sties 
of, 397; comment on his last message. 
431; slated for United States Senate 
and presidency of United States, 479; 
coquetted with United States relative 
to annexation. 486, 564; to visit 
J&ckson, 491 ; laying plans for presi- 
dency, 503; returned, 564; speech at 
Galveston, 564; what his election to 
United States Senate will mean, 586- 
587; comment on course pursued rel- 
ative to independence and annexation, 
590-591. 

Howard, T. A., United. States charge, 
arrival of, 351, 354; death of. 355. 

Ikin, Arthur and Jonathan, 448. 

Immigration, from United States, 14, 20, 
25, 32; from Europe 356-362; Euro- 
pean immigration distasteful to United 
States. 368. 



Indians, not favorable to annexation, 
315-316; in need of ammunition, 318; 
raid at Corpus Christi, 336, 348; plan 
to push them into Mexico, 614. 

Irish immigrants do well, 357 : colony 
on the Nueces broken up, 360. 

Jackson, Andrew, said to have used his 
influence with Houston in favor of an- 
nexation, 320. 341, 364; advocated ac- 
quisition of Texas and California, 568. 

Jolly. Stewart L., British merchant at 
Tampico, 3, 4. 

Jones. Anson, favors <annexation, 364, 
383, 475; owes election to Houston's 
influence, 366, 382; thinks Texas 
would decline annexation if independ- 
ence were acl-mowledged by Mexico, 
394, 398; characterization of. by El- 
liot, 397-399, 406; attitude toward In- 
dependence and annexation, 398-400, 
464: attitude toward Mexico, 400; 
convened special session of congi'ess to 
consider annexation and independence. 
479; orders election of delegates to a 
convention, 490-491 ; published Mex- 
ico's offer, 496-497; his course during 
sitting of congress and the convention, 
501; attempt to remove him from 
office. 526-527; election to United 
States Senate probable, 586; course 
pursued relative to independence and 
annexation, 590-591. 

Kennedy, William, suggests sending a 
British agent to Texas to facilitate 
ratification of slave trade treaty, 43- 
44, 45, 47; is appointed agent, 48; 
report on his trip to Texas, 49, 51-54; 
report on his mission, 55-57 ; returns 
home. 58; quarrel with Hamilton, 58, 
59-60, 62; obtained a colonization 
grant, 59, 93, 120, but disposes of it, 
368; made Texan consul general in 
London. 60; reports his arrival in 
England, 61-63; appointed British con- 
sul at Galveston, 66-68. 87-90. 95; di 
rected to proceed to Texas, instruc- 
tions, 108-110, 121, 131; arrived at 
Galveston. 149, 165, 170-171; during 
absence of Elliot Avill substitute for 
'him, 187, 192. 317. 325; relative to 
hoisting of British flag over consulate, 
326-330; granted leave of absence, 
343; charges preferred against him by 



634 



Index 



Elliot, 493-494, 551-552; remained 
at Galveston after annexation, 609, 
note 12. 

Land claims of Britisli subjects, 151- 

153, 157-161, 250. 
Laws of Texas, inaccuracies in printed, 

337. 
Little Penn, claims for seizure of, 84-86, 

105, 138, 142. 

Macdoufiall, John, British vice-eonsvil at 
Galveston, 330; charged by Kennedy 
with being pro-slavery. 331-333. 506. ' 

McLeod. Hugh, requests British interces- 
sion in behalf of Antonio Navarro, 
281. 

Matagorda, citizens request appointment 
of a British consul, 114-116. 

Matagorda Bav. description and trade 
of, in 1837, 6. 

Mediation between Texas and Mexico, 
hiampcred by blockade, 82-83; United 
States and Great Britain requested to 
put an end to raiding and robbing on 
western border of Texas, 105-107; 
Great Britain will do her share. 111; 
joint mediation by Great Britain. 
France and the United States sug- 
gested. 125; declined by Great Britain, 
143; Houston's appeal to Great 
Britain for mediation, 163-164; Great 
Britain ready to assist in bringing 
about peace, 195, 202, 227, 298-299i; no 
conditions attach to such service, 205; 
British and French mediation disliked 
by the United States, 265; Great 
Britain and France renew their efforts, 
309; surrender of Texan independence 
not necessary to assure safety, 314- 
315; Jones desires that Great JBritam 
and France take decisive steps, 395. 
399-400: Great Britain declines, 104- 
407. 

Memorandum of conference between Brit 
is'h and French charges and President 
Jones and Ashbel Smith, 463-471. 

Mexico, Vasquez invasion, 61, 63; Woli'.^ 
invasion, 108, 112-113, 122; /aids 
serve no useful purpose, 113-114; they 
invite retaliation land may draw 
United States into hostilities, 154- 
156, 181, 225; appeal in behalf of 
Bexar prisoners, 118-119; troubles in 
Campeche, 123; Texan expedition to 
proceed to Rio Grande, 144, 148, 150; 
Mier expedition disastrous, 154, 164; 



decimation of prisoners an outrage 
and blunder, 182, 183, 199, 202; Hous- 
ton's course attacked. 206-207, 211- 
213, 224; Houston's letter to Elliot, 
213; British flag at Mier, 279, 280. 
281 ; Santa Anna's peace proposals. 
169-170, 171-178. 194-195,200-202,212, 
219-221, 222-223, 236-241, 241-244; 
Mexico threatens Texas with devasta- 
tion, 183-184; Santa Anna proposes an 
armistice, 220; armistice proclaimed, 
by Houston, 221, 224; armistice to be 
prolonged, 222. 224, 227, 235 ; Woll 
ready to cooperate, 238-239; Texas 
ready, 239-241 ; Texan commissioners 
sent,' 267, 278, 302; negotiations a 
failure, 302-303, 311; armistice termi- 
nated, 351; Mexico can defeat annex- 
ation by recognizing Texan indepen- 
dence, 324, 343, 393, 404-407 ; outbreak 
of hostilities imminent, 354: quiet on 
frontier, 363, 376; Mexico inclined to 
be conciliatory, 431, 433-436, 460, 469, 
477; ready to acknowledge inde- 
pendence of Texas, 487-490; Texas 
made proposition to Mexico to remain 
independent on condition of recogni- 
tion, 598-599. 

Mexican navy, Texas protests against 
fitting out of the Montezuma and Gua- 
dalupe, 91-92, 97, 110; Montezuma re- 
leased, 126, 136; Gu-adalupe in battle, 
199; strategic value of Mexican rivers, 
and kind of' craft suited to their navi- 
gation, 283-288. 

Millard, Nicholas Doran, adverse report 
on Texas, 27-29. 

Monroe doctrine, in President Tyler's 
message, 145-146: suitable settlers for 
Texas to be protected, 203 ; pretensions 
of United States, 208-200; European 
immigrants not liked, 368. 

Moore, E. W., commander of Texan 
navy, suspended and ordered arrested, 
188-189, 190; defies president's orders, 
193-194; engages Mexican vessels, 198- 
199; courtmartial of. 362; attends 
public dinner, 366, 367. 

Morgan, James, and Bryan, William, 
Texan commissioners, 187; instruc- 
tions, 189-191, 224; Morgan joins 
Moore in expedition to Yucatan, 194. 

Mugeres island, speculation, 246, 251, 
252, 263. 



Index 



635 



Murphy, W. S., United States charge to 
Texas, some facts concerning, 204; his 
son bearer of despatches, 321 ; death 
of, 351. 

National Vindicator, called a government 
organ. 224, 347. 

Navarro. Antonio, release of, 279, 281. 

Navy, Texan, small. 15 ; to be laid up, 
19; its strength in 1842, 95, 114: 
iclaim for aid rendered the San Ber- 
nard, 99; useless aaid pernicious, 121- 
122; information about. 134-135; two 
vessels sail for Yucatan, 166, 177; go 
contrary to orders, 178-180, 187-193, 
198-199, 225-226; good service of, 186, 
198; vessels return from Yucatan. 
235 ; tlie Austin's trip up the Tabasco, 
285 ; the San Bernard accompanied the 
Austin, 287. 

Navj^ commissioners. See James Mor- 
gan. 

Neill, Andrew, a Bexar prisoner, 117- 
119; escape, 156; John Neill, brother 
of Andrew, 116-118. 

Nepean, Evan, report on inability of 
Mexico to subjugate Texas, 39-42. 

New Braunfels, recently founded, 494- 
495. 

Odin, M., bishop, 357. 

Pinckard, F., editor Texas Times, 193. 

Pirson, Victor, Belgiaii commissdoner, 
visit to Texas, 62. 

Population, Texas, estimate of, 20, 32, 
40, 52 ; character of, 20, 23, 52-53, 155, 
168, 174, 181; growth of, 26; Ken- 
nedy's report on, 199, 255; Elliot's re- 
marks on, 536-538. 

Power, Charles, concerning the commerce 
of Texas. 67, 68-78. 

Pringle, William, Kennedy's agent in 
London, 48, 49; associated with Ken- 
nedy in colonization contract, 59. 

Pate, Lachlan M., recommended as consul 

general for Texas in London, 87. 
Reily, James, rejected by Texan senate 

as charge to United States, 369, 439. 
Rio Grande, republic of, 28, 29. 
Robinson, James W., bearer of Santa 

Anna's peace proposals, 169, 172. 
Runnels, Hiram G., appointed United 

States collector of customs in Texas. 

589. 



Rusk, Thomas J., elected major-general, 
155; elected United States Senator, 



Santa Fe expedition, 54; prisoners, 56; 
its consequences, 122; release of An- 
tonio Navarro, 279. 

Santa Fe traders, attack upon, 252. 

Seat of government, removed to Wash- 
ington, 127; Western congressmen op- 
posed to removal from Austin, 148. 

Sheridan, Francis C, report on desira- 
bility of stationing a British com- 
mercial agent in Texas, 18-26. 

Simpton, , commanded a Texan 

revenue vessel, 283; prepared a chart 
of Texan coast, 287. 

Slaves in Texas, number small, 13, 25, 
32, 255; price high, 24; treatment, 13; 
smuggling, 13-14, 24, 28, 256-258; 
trade with LTnited States, 27-29; Lhe 
bane of Texas, 16, 27-29, 29-31, 127- 
130, 268; treaty with Great Britain 
for suppression of African slave trado, 
30, 43-44; ratification of, 54, 55-57; 
abolition of slavery, 37-39, 47, 129, 
167-168, 212, 228-229, 229-232, 250, 
268-270; no organized effort, 260, 261; 
abolition would form barrier to am- 
bitious plans of the United States, 
143-144; Kennedy's report on, 199-200, 
255-261; Elliot's reply to Calhoun's 
criticism of emancipation in the British 
possessions, 411-428; influence on an- 
nexation, 511-512. 

Smith, Ashbel, too zealous in case of the 
Montezuma and Guadalupe, 136; ap- 
preciation of, 406; return to Texas. 
450; President Jones urged to send 
him to Europe, 467, 479; attitude to- 
ward annexation, 550. 
Snively, Jacob, 240. 

Solms, Charles, Prince of, arrived \x\ 
Texas, 368; representative of German 
Emigration Association, 371-372, 385 
391 ; proposes settlement of a large 
number of Europeans in Texas. 389- 
390; return home, 494-495. 
Stockton, R. F., his squadron visited 
Galveston, 491, 503, 505; requested 
President Jones to occupy Texan ter- 
ritory as far as the Rio Grande, 501- 
502." 
Sugar cane does well in Texas, 19; sugar 
planters ardent advocates of annex- 



(i,3() 



Index 



ation, 339, 452-453, 453-455; Texan 
sugar imported into Great Britain at 
low rate, 478, 493. 

Tariff of Republic of Texas in 1837, 8; 
liistorieal abstract of revenue laws to 
1843, 215-218; statement of tolls, dues, 
fees, etc., 373-375; proposed changes 
in, 438, 441; to remain in force until 
all steps of annexation are completed. 
582-583. 

Terrell, George W., opposed to annex- 
ation, 363 ; to be chiargg to Great 
Britain, 309 ; rejected by Texas senate, 
375, 378, 439, 450-451; return home, 
549; comment on speech of, 556-558, 
563. 

Texan prisoners in Mexico, their release 
would contribute to reconciliation, 237- 
238, 244, 251; an exchange proposed, 
253, 254; release refused. 311. 313; re- 
leased, 376, 377. 

Texas, Republic of, government described, 
10-12, 19-23, 36; subjugation by Mex 
ico improbable, 12, 15-16, 30, 40-42, 53, 
56, 144, 156, 173; finances of, 16, 21- 
22, 53; recognition by Great Britain 
recommended, 24-26, 36-39; ratifica 
tions of treaties exchanged, 80-81; 
recognized by France, 29; poorly pre- 
pared to invade Mexico, 113, 122-123; 
should pursue defensive policy, 123, 
141 ; Texan public is very suspicious 
of British motives and policy, 126; in- 
dependence of, advantageous to Mex- 
ico, 225, 241 ; independence of, dis- 
tasteful to United States, 241, 264- 
265, 268-270, 277 ; conditions to be in- 
sisted upon by Texas, 455-458, 470- 
472; recognition of Texan indepen- 
dence by Mexico to be secured by 
Great Britain and France, 485; Mex- 
ico agrees to recognize Texas inde- 
pendence, 487-490; Texan policy to- 
ward Mexico influenced by United 
States, 624; plans dangerous to Mex- 
ico, 395; plans opposed by President 
Jones, 400. 

Texas coast and harbors, 196. 

Tex>as commerce, in 1837, 7, 8, 15, 17; in 
1838, 19; corn and grain trade, in 
1843, 195, 197-198, 271; regulations, 
214; charges on shipping, 218-219; 
trade with Mexico, 442, 457, 459. 

Texas National Register, opposed to an- 
nexation, 449, 459. 

Thompson, Waddy, not a friend of Sam 
Houston, 226. 



United States, treaty with Texas, 16"6- 
167, 180, 209; to put a stop to Mex- 
ican border raids. 204; course of. in 
relation to Texas, 208-211: Houston 
enforces discriminatory duties. 209: 
United States retaliate, 288; effect of 
prospects of peace between Texas and 
Mexico in United States, 266; promise 
protection to Texas during annexation 
negotiations, 321-323, 324, 354, 362, 
396, 475; unwarranted pretensions to 
territory through annexation, 323-324; 
annexation treaty will probably fail, 
324, 349; United States squadron 
cruised in Gulf of Mexico during nego- 
tiation for annexation, 334, 336, 365, 
491; treaty for annexation unsatisfac- 
tory to Houston and Jones, 398. 
treaty rejected, 342; project not dead, 
342-343, 347; effect of rejection. 347- 
349; accumulating military supplies 
on Texan frontier, 378, 380, 474; reso- 
lutions for annexation of Texas, 445- 
447: laige portion of Mexican terri- 
tory to be added along with Texas, 
495-496, 499, 505, 600-603; troops to 
be sent to Matagorda, 512, 527; diffi- 
culties attending invasion, 513-516; 
naval forces collected in Gulf, 527- 
528; troops arrive, 542, 543-547. 549; 
comment on mobilization of troops and 
their positions in Texas, 563. 575-576, 
592-594, 597-598, 607-608. 

Volunteers. Texas, estimate of. 11-12. 
123. 

Warfield, Charles, A., 240. 
Washington, Texas, unhealtTiful, 443. 
Williams, Samuel, associate of Hockley 

in mission, 243, 267, 339; at one time 

private secretary to Andrew Jackson, 

341. 
Woll, Adrian, invasion of, 108. 112-113, 

122; armistice, 238-239; manifesto of, 

362. 

Yates, A. J., on anti-slaA'ery movement 
in Texas, 228-234, 235, 261; opposed 
to slavery but not an abolitionist, 232. 

Yellow fever at Galveston, 351 352, 35^ 
355, 356, 359. 

Y'ucatan, result of Mexican movement 
against, to influence plans against 
Texas. 155. 166, 184, 186; cooperation 
of Texan navy with, 166, 177, 178-180, 
187-193, 199; Houston's opposition to, 
225-226. 



LB 20 



